Novak Djokovic is set to be honoured with a new statue at Melbourne Park (Image: GETTY)
boss Craig Tiley has given the green light to a giant statue of being built at Melbourne Park.
The veteran Serb was denied another Grand Slam title at this year’s tournament, having been forced to withdraw from his semi-final against with a torn muscle.
It has been a happy hunting ground for Djokovic, though, with the 37-year-old winning more titles in Melbourne than any other player.
His success Down Under is set to be honoured by Tiley, who wants Djokovic to be featured in an array of statues celebrating the greats of the game.
Craig Tiley wants to include Djokovic in an array of statues celebrating legends of the game (Image: GETTY)
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He told : “I’d like to have a whole precinct full of statues of the great tennis players. Every year we put up a new statue of an Australian and this precinct is about tennis, it was built with tennis in mind.
“We have so many people that come here from right around the world. They come to the precinct when the is not on because they want to see the place that it happens, and I think there is more we can offer those fans from the tennis precinct.”
Tiley said it would be a no-brainer to include a statue of Djokovic, adding: “I mean, he’s won this event 10 times and I still think he can win it again.
“I think any time we can recognise tennis or the champions of the game I’m going to go for it. Whether it’s Novak, , Serena Williams – the list goes on.”
Djokovic showed that he is still capable of competing at the highest level by reaching the semi-finals of this year’s , but it was not all plain sailing for him.
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after being left frustrated with presenter Tony Jones, who made comments which Djokovic called ‘insulting and offensive’.
The reigning Olympic champion was also booed off the court following his withdrawal against Zverev .
Asked if this year might have been his final appearance at the tournament, Djokovic replied: “I don’t know. There is a chance. Who knows? I’ll just have to see how the season goes.
“I want to keep going, but whether I’m going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I’m not sure. I normally like to come to Australia to play.
“I’ve had the biggest success in my career here. So if I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come, but there’s always a chance [it is the last time].”