Serbia's Novak Djokovic speaks at a press conference in Melbourne on Jan 13, 2024 ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship starting on Jan 14. (PHOTO / AFP)

MELBOURNE - Australian Open reigning champion Novak Djokovic on Saturday dismissed concerns over his injured right wrist and aimed at lifting the trophy for the 11th time at Melbourne Park.

"My wrist is good. I had time from the last match against de Minaur in the United Cup to my first match here to recover. I've been training well. Practice sessions (are) pain-free so far," Djokovic told reporters at a pre-match conference.

Last week, at the second edition of the United Cup, Djokovic's extraordinary 43-match winning streak in Australia ended when he was stunned by the home favorite Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4.

I'm just hoping I can start the season in a way that I have been starting my seasons, most of my seasons, throughout my career: with a win here in Australia, in Melbourne. My favorite place, no doubt. The court where I've done great things and achieved my greatest Grand Slam results.

Novak Djokovic, Serbian professional tennis player

The 36-year-old Serb was troubled by a wrist injury, which became a worrying sign ahead of his bid for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title.

"It's not as bad as some other injuries I had here. (Year) 2021 and last year I had worse injuries that I had to deal with. So, yeah, I mean, I can't predict whether it's going to come back. Once I start playing more matches, stress levels go higher," said the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

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Speaking of his goal for a new season, Djokovic underlined that he still wants to win every slam that he participates and plays on.

"I'm just hoping I can start the season in a way that I have been starting my seasons, most of my seasons, throughout my career: with a win here in Australia, in Melbourne. My favorite place, no doubt. The court where I've done great things and achieved my greatest Grand Slam results," he said.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, on Jan 13, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

He also hoped that he could, if not playing at the level that he did last year, then be very close to that, since that was "one of the best tennis levels" that he had ever played in Australia last year.

"The season is so long. We have an Olympic year. Grand Slams, Olympics .... those are the big goals. I have to see how it goes here and think about everything else when it comes around the corner," said Djokovic.

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As the first Grand Slam event of the year, the Australian Open will run from Sunday until Jan 28 at Melbourne Park. On Sunday, Djokovic will take on Dino Prizmic, an 18-year-old Croatian who progressed to his first major from a three-round qualifying campaign.