Novak Djokovic’s new season has began very effectively. The previous world No.1 – who’s taking part in the Brisbane Worldwide (ATP 250) this week – had no specific issues in his debut match towards native idol Rinky Hijikata. The 24-time Grand Slam champion managed the match with out ever giving the impression of participating excessive gears, limiting himself to creating the distinction within the decisive moments and exhibiting that he has labored effectively throughout the low season.
Novak Djokovic, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
The present world quantity 7 needs to attain necessary ends in 2025 and has no intention of settling for a full second position behind Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The 37-year-old from Belgrade began his preparation very early having not performed the final official occasions of 2024, a alternative that has generated a number of controversies amongst followers and insiders.
Nole has by no means hidden that the Main tournaments and the Davis Cup are his priorities at this stage of his wonderful profession and his thoughts is already turned to the Australian Open, which can begin on January 12 and promise to provide loads of feelings.
Good begin
The Serbian legend has excessive expectations for this match, during which he has received ten occasions throughout his superb profession. Novak is altering some issues in his sport to have the ability to compete with opponents a lot youthful than him and has employed Andy Murray as coach, a choice that has left everybody speechless.
The previous Scottish champion has determined to just accept the proposal of his former rival and will likely be current in his field at Melbourne Park. Nole and Andy have already labored collectively for ten days throughout the low season and the Serbian was actually impressed with the work ethic of the 3-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic and Murray© YouTube screenshot
It’s a very fascinating collaboration, which might assist Djokovic discover new motivations after a season beneath expectations. As everybody is aware of, Murray is just not current in Brisbane this week and after his victory towards Hijikata Novak defined the rationale for this absence.
“He’s actually skiing at the moment,” Djokovic said.
“He has a family skiing trip – I’m sending my love to all the Murray family. I hope he doesn’t get injured skiing before he comes to Melbourne, that wouldn’t be great.
“We spoke before the match, we’re communicating daily. I’m excited to have him in my team, in my corner. For 20 years, he’s been across the net, for the first time ever he’s on the same side of the court. It should be fun in Melbourne” – he added.
Nole seeks his a hundredth title
Regardless of not taking part in an official match because the Rolex Shanghai Masters final October, the 24-time Grand Slam champion performed a robust match on his debut in Brisbane. Nole did not pressure, he took his possibilities and by no means gave the Australian ace an opportunity to guide the rallies.
The Serbian champion is just not in high form, however he nonetheless has time to enhance his situation in view of the AO. The previous world no 1 appeared very motivated and can face the brand new season with the suitable spirit, attempting to not repeat the identical errors of 2024.
“I always expect myself to do well on the court. Obviously, a win is a win,” mentioned Djokovic throughout his on-court interview. “To start off the new season with a win is very important. I think Hijikata deserves a great round of applause for his performance tonight, he was really good. He made me work, definitely, for the win tonight.”
The previous World No.1 will have fun the New Yr’s Eve together with his lovely household: “We will definitely celebrate the new year, we have some plans. My family is here. My kids are excited to go past their bedtime. We are going to watch I guess one of many fireworks displays tonight here in Brisbane.
Happy new year in advance to everyone. It’s a special evening. Last year I played a match at the United Cup in Perth just before midnight, and again here in Brisbane, so it’s kind of a tradition now happening each year. Thanks for choosing to come and spend new year’s eve on the court here with us, we appreciate it.”
Djokovic© Australian Open/Instagram – Honest Use
Djokovic’s subsequent opponent will likely be French veteran Gael Monfils, who has by no means defeated Nole on the skilled tour. The 37-year-old from Belgrade needs to play as many matches as potential this week, aiming to get into the suitable rhythm forward of the primary Grand Slam match of the brand new season.
The present world quantity 7 can be trying to win the a hundredth title of his legendary profession, which might permit him to write down a brand new web page of tennis historical past. Novak had already tried in Shanghai, however was defeated by Sinner within the remaining.
