Novak Djokovic holds many of the males’s tennis data, however he’s nonetheless hungry regardless of being virtually 38 years outdated. The Serbian legend went by 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 large 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, exhibiting that they’ve created a sure hole in comparison with 2023. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has usually appeared to battle in opposition to youthful opponents and has struggled to seek out the precise motivation exterior of Main tournaments.
Regardless of all of the difficulties he had in 2024 – together with knee surgical procedure for an damage suffered on the French Open – Novak confided that tennis remains to be his precedence and that he’ll attempt to shine once more in 2025.
Shortly earlier than the top of this season, the 37-year-old from Belgrade introduced his determination to rent Andy Murray as his new coach. A selection 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.
Based on the newest rumors, Murray is not going to be current in Brisbane and can be part of the workforce straight within the first Grand Slam of the brand new season. It is no secret that Nole has large ambitions for the following AOs, a match the place he has triumphed on ten events and during which he has marked an period.
The Serbian can even need to hope for a draw that isn’t too powerful, being the quantity 7 seed and having the ability to face very sturdy rivals already within the quarterfinals.
Luke Donald praises Nole
Regardless of successful every part throughout his profession and being a legend of contemporary sport, Novak has by no means obtained the identical love that followers have reserved for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Followers have in all probability 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 humorous. He doesn’t at all times get one of the best rap with the media. Roger and Rafa have been the family members among the many followers. However you meet Novak and he’s the nicest, caring, most down-to-earth man. I feel he has had lots of people in opposition to him for no matter purpose. But it surely’s how he makes use of that and reframes it right into a constructive actually.”
The previous world no 1 is conscious that his leads to 2025 can even be basic for the continuation of his profession. If he fails to win a Main title subsequent yr both, the opportunity of retirement would start to be examined by the Serbian champion himself.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade has at all times stated he needs to proceed taking part in so long as he’s aggressive on the highest degree, however the rise of two younger champions like Sinner and Alcaraz might pressure him to resolve shortly. The 2 Main tournaments during which the Serbian has one of the best probability of successful are actually the Australian Open and Wimbledon, the place he reached the ultimate this yr shedding to Carlitos.
Djokovic’s schedule in 2025
As already talked about, the previous world no 1 will use the celebrated Brisbane match as an official check earlier than the Comfortable 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.
Djokovic’s purpose is to be 100% match for the beginning of the match and keep away from making the identical errors as in 2024.
ATP legend Pat Rafter analyzed Novak’s selection to begin his 2025 in Brisbane: “This isn’t simply preparation for the Australian Open – it is a truthful dinkum match.
You wish to be ensuring you’re taking part in your greatest tennis right here. To be right here and making ready is what you have to be doing.
Plenty of guys go and chase some cash, go to the Center East or one thing like that, to play however for me, that’s not one of the best lead in for the Australian Open.
It’s about successful, making ready, taking part in one of the best matches, and as many matches as you possibly can. That’s all a 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 Courtroom on this particular standing.
