Novak Djokovic said there was something extra behind his title charge at this year’s Australian Open after being deported from the country last year and having to play his matches with an injured hamstring after suffering the problem in Adelaide.

“I always try to give my best, particularly in grand slams, because at this stage of my career those are the tournaments that count the most, of course,” Djokovic said.

“But you could say that there is something extra this year, yeah. You could say because of the injury, what happened last year. I just wanted to really do well.”

Fans quizzed

Four supporters at the Australian Open with “inappropriate flags and symbols” are being questioned by Victoria Police following the quarter-final between Russia’s Andrey Rublev and favourite Djokovic, Tennis Australia said on Wednesday.

A video emerged on social media showing a fan on the steps of Rod Laver Arena holding up a Russian flag with the image of President Vladimir Putin on it.

Paul’s wish

Tommy Paul believes it is important for him to put American men’s tennis back on the map after the 25-year-old became the first American man to reach the Australian Open semi-finals since 2009.

“Since I was young, the coaches have been telling us, we need new Americans,” Paul said. “We want it for ourselves, but we want it for US tennis, too.”