Novak Djokovic’s profession will not be over but, though his greatest years are behind him and the Serbian legend has not received a single title in 2024. At virtually 38 years outdated, the 24-time Grand Slam champion nonetheless loves the game very a lot and plans to proceed competing for essentially the most prestigious titles.
The previous world number one ‘saved’ his 2024 season because of the epic triumph on the Paris Olympics throughout the summer season, during which he lastly received the gold medal and left everybody speechless by defeating Carlos Alcaraz within the last after a sensational battle.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2024© Stream screenshot
The 37-year-old from Belgrade didn’t shine within the final a part of the season and determined to skip the final official tournaments during which he was presupposed to defend his title (the Rolex Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin), however he promised that he’ll do all the things he can to grow to be nice once more in 2025.
Even earlier than the beginning of the brand new season, Nole shocked the entire world by asserting the beginning of a brand new collaboration with Andy Murray. The previous Scottish champion – who retired from tennis over the summer season – can be his coach on the 2025 Australian Open, the place Novak thinks he has a severe likelihood of successful his twenty fifth Main title.
Nole by no means offers up
Djokovic will play an official match earlier than the Joyful Slam, the Brisbane Worldwide, during which he had participated solely as soon as in 2009 (he can even play doubles with Nick Kyrgios). The present world quantity 7 will arrive in Australia very quickly, with the intention of getting used to the local weather and the floor after working exhausting throughout the pre-season.
The Serbian ace could have a extra substantial schedule than in recent times, during which his appearances on the tour had been very sporadic. Not too long ago, it was introduced that Nole will play the distinguished Doha ATP 500 in February. It will likely be a very fascinating version, as Sinner and Alcaraz can even be there.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2024© Stream screenshot
Followers, insiders and gamers themselves discover it exhausting to imagine that Djokovic nonetheless desires to compete on the highest degree regardless of breaking each file. Novak has an virtually unreal motivation and the will to beat his limits pushes him to proceed enjoying.
On the newest version of the ‘Super Moscato Show’, French ace Richard Gasquet paid tribute to Nole: “I ask myself how it’s possible he could still win Grand Slam titles. I don’t know if it’s ever happened before, at 37, to be so strong in a sport, to be number 2 or 3 in the world, to think that he can still win Grand Slams. It’s something unique, it’s really incredible.”
A posh character
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not solely made tennis historical past, however has all the time performed an lively function within the improvement of the game. The Serbian legend has spent a number of energies attempting to assist secondary gamers earn extra money and was one of many founders of the PTPA on the finish of 2020.
The aim of that initiative was to create a form of gamers’ union, in order that we may take joint motion and guarantee larger equity inside the tour.
Novak Djokovic© PTPA/Instagram – Truthful Use
In a protracted interview with MARCA, former World No.1 in doubles Emilio Sanchez Vicario mirrored on Novak’s affect off the courtroom: “I think it’s a good time to create a pyramid structure in which one could ascend in an even manner and where there would be many more people earning money. Djokovic tried something like that… And how long did it take to remove him from the Council? Why? Because if he promoted more distribution on the tournaments, it would harm the managers, and they convinced the players that it would be detrimental to them.”
He also added: “The affiliation that promoted it, the PTPA , continues to be lively. And it mentioned that the gamers couldn’t be in the identical boat as those that share the cash… Small steps are being taken as a result of there’s a greater cake at hand, and as evidently one thing is brewing, we’ve got to see the place this case will lead.”
Not like most of his rivals, the legend from Belgrade has by no means been afraid to specific unpopular opinions and obtain very fierce criticism. Nole has a really robust persona and because of this he has not all the time acquired the credit score he deserved from followers and insiders.
The Serbian has made a number of errors throughout his profession, however he has all the time been an genuine character and has sacrificed some issues to remain true to his concepts. The COVID vaccine affair was emblematic of this idea, with a number of repercussions for Djokovic from many factors of view.