Novak Djokovic might tackle Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne even earlier than the Australian Open begins after the three stars confirmed their participation at a charity occasion at Melbourne Park between 07-10 January.
For the following season, the opening Grand Slam of the yr is slated to happen between January 14-28.
Djokovic, who’s a report 10-time champion on the Australian Open, hasn’t signed up for any tournaments main as much as the Completely satisfied Slam. Up to now two years, he would begin his season by representing Serbia on the United Cup – however in 2025 – his nation will not compete on the occasion.
Now that the Serb is signed as much as play a charity occasion in Melbourne, it’s clear that he will not play any ATP tournaments within the week earlier than the opening Main of the yr. In addition to the charity match, he may additionally play a match or two on the Kooyong Basic, a well-liked exhibition additionally going down in Melbourne.
In addition to Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz, Australia’s Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin additionally signed up for the occasion. Additionally, one main WTA identify has been confirmed as 2024 Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen can also be part of the participant lineup.
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot
What’s precisely this system for the charity occasion?
On January seventh – the opening day of the occasion – there will probably be a Tie-Break Tens occasion with six gamers competing. And it’ll occurring on Rod Laver Enviornment with DJ dropping beats.
Additionally, there will probably be an element known as “the Australian Open 1 Point Slam,” the place native membership gamers can have an opportunity to tackle professionals.
“Australian Open 2025 will kick off with a bang with extra unimaginable tennis and leisure on supply than ever earlier than, and extra of the precinct open throughout Opening Week. There will probably be 4 spectacular nights of charity matches on Rod Laver Enviornment that includes an unimaginable line-up of worldwide stars together with our 10-time champion Novak Djokovic, 2024 champ and world No.1 Jannik Sinner, Spanish celebrity Carlos Alcaraz and Qinwen Zheng,” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.
“Aussies Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin will also compete against the best of the best to entertain fans and support a range of children’s charities through the Australian Tennis Foundation. With Dylan Alcott as MC, Red Bull Bassline on Tuesday night will have an electric atmosphere with a live DJ, courtside interviews and players interacting with fans in the stands.
“Opening Week offers amazing value to fans and families with Ground Passes just $15 for adults and $10 for kids. On a Ground Pass, fans can watch the champions of tomorrow battle it out in qualifying, get up close to the titans of the game as they practice on Rod Laver Arena, enjoy live music, hear directly from players, shop and sample delicious food and drinks from a huge range of outlets.
“We’ll even be giving out 5 thousand Scorching Photographs tennis racquets to youngsters. We’re extremely excited to host the world’s first 1 Level Slam on the Australian Open and know followers will get behind locals as they tackle the professionals.”
Djokovic will have a clear mission in Australia
After Sinner and Alcaraz split four Grand Slams this year and left the 37-year-old without a Slam title in a season for the first time since 2017, the current world No. 7 warned everyone that he would be back in 2025 determined to add more success to his name. To show he was serious, the record 24-time Major winner hired Andy Murray as his coach for the Australian Open.
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot
Going into 2025 and the opening Slam of the year, Sinner and Alcaraz are regarded as the two top favorites for the biggest titles. But Djokovic hopes that Murray – who competed against these guys – can come up with something that would help return to being the best in the game.
“We were going through different names and I realized at this point the perfect coach would be someone who has been through the experiences I have been through. A multiple Grand Slam winner and I was thinking about a few and the Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table with my team. I decided I would give him a call and see how it goes. It caught him off guard a little bit as he wasn’t expecting it. We connected really fast and he accepted it after a few days. I can’t be more excited about it,” the 37-year-old advised Sky Sports activities when requested why he employed Murray.
If Djokovic meets Sinner and Alcaraz within the charity occasion, he in all probability will not go full power however there is no such thing as a doubt that he would like to win these matches only for the psychological functions.
