Novak Djokovic holds a lot of the males’s tennis data, however he’s nonetheless hungry regardless of being virtually 38 years previous. The Serbian legend went by way of a really particular season in his profession, during which he didn’t win any ATP titles and no Grand Slam titles for the primary time since 2017.
The previous world No. 1 is proud as a result of he fulfilled his massive dream of successful the gold medal on the Paris Olympics, however some followers and insiders declare that he not has an opportunity to return to the very best degree.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have inflicted many defeats on Nole within the final twelve months, displaying that they’ve created a sure hole in comparison with 2023. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has typically appeared to wrestle in opposition to youthful opponents and has struggled to seek out the correct motivation outdoors of Main tournaments.
Regardless of all of the difficulties he had in 2024 – together with knee surgical procedure for an harm suffered on the French Open – Novak confided that tennis continues to be his precedence and that he’ll attempt to shine once more in 2025.
Novak Djokovic© Stream screenshot
Shortly earlier than the top of this season, the 37-year-old from Belgrade introduced his choice to rent Andy Murray as his new coach. A alternative that left everybody speechless. Djokovic’s 2025 will start on the Brisbane Worldwide, the place he solely performed in 2009, earlier than shifting to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
In line with the most recent rumors, Murray is not going to be current in Brisbane and can be a part of the workforce immediately within the first Grand Slam of the brand new season. It is no secret that Nole has massive ambitions for the following AOs, a event the place he has triumphed on ten events and during which he has marked an period.
The Serbian can even must hope for a draw that’s not too robust, being the quantity 7 seed and with the ability to face very robust rivals already within the quarterfinals.
Luke Donald praises Nole
Regardless of successful every part throughout his profession and being a legend of recent sport, Novak has by no means acquired the identical love that followers have reserved for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Followers have most likely by no means forgiven him for meddling in that iconic rivalry, snatching virtually all of the data from the Swiss and the Spaniard.
In a latest interview, PGA star Luke Donald defined that Nole deserves to obtain extra credit score: “It’s funny. He doesn’t always get the best rap with the media. Roger and Rafa were the loved ones among the fans. But you meet Novak and he is the nicest, caring, most down-to-earth guy. I think he has had a lot of people against him for whatever reason. But it’s how he uses that and reframes it into a positive really.”
The previous world no 1 is conscious that his leads to 2025 can even be elementary for the continuation of his profession. If he fails to win a Main title subsequent 12 months both, the potential of retirement would start to be examined by the Serbian champion himself.
Novak Djokovic, ATP Finals 2023© Stream screenshot
The 37-year-old from Belgrade has all the time mentioned he desires to proceed enjoying so long as he’s aggressive on the highest degree, however the rise of two younger champions like Sinner and Alcaraz may drive him to resolve rapidly. The 2 Main tournaments during which the Serbian has one of the best likelihood of successful are actually the Australian Open and Wimbledon, the place he reached the ultimate this 12 months dropping to Carlitos.
Djokovic’s schedule in 2025
As already talked about, the previous world no 1 will use the celebrated Brisbane event as an official check earlier than the Glad Slam. Earlier than the beginning of the AO, the present world quantity 7 can even play some exhibition matches with different prime gamers at Melbourne Park.
Novak Djokovic, 2024© Stream screenshot
Djokovic’s objective is to be 100% match for the beginning of the event and keep away from making the identical errors as in 2024.
ATP legend Pat Rafter analyzed Novak’s alternative to begin his 2025 in Brisbane: “This is not just preparation for the Australian Open – this is a fair dinkum tournament.
You want to be making sure you’re playing your best tennis here. To be here and preparing is what you should be doing.
A lot of guys go and chase some money, go to the Middle East or something like that, to play but for me, that’s not the best lead in for the Australian Open.
It’s about winning, preparing, playing the best matches, and as many matches as you can. That’s all part of your journey to the Aussie Open.”
The ten-time Australian Open champion will attempt to win his twenty fifth Grand Slam title and detach Margaret Court docket on this particular standing.
