Novak Djokovic stays resolute in his pursuit of Grand Slam glory, beginning with the Australian Open, because the Serbian legend begins his marketing campaign for a record-extending eleventh title and an unprecedented twenty fifth main crown in Brisbane this week.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, chasing her third Australian Open triumph, may also characteristic within the star-studded girls’s lineup on the Queensland Tennis Centre from Dec. 29 to Jan. 5.
The 2025 season kicks off Friday with the mixed-teams United Cup in Perth and Sydney, the place world No. 2 Iga Swiatek returns to motion after a one-month doping suspension got here to mild.
It is the primary season since 37-year-old Djokovic started taking part in that not one of the different so-called “Big Four” will likely be on the opposite facet of the online, following the retirements this 12 months of Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. Roger Federer retired in 2022.
As the “Big Four” pale, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz stepped as much as turn into the brand new Grand Slam kings. Both males have opted towards warm-up tournaments heading into the primary main of the 12 months, which begins Jan. 12.
Amid doubts over Djokovic’s motivation and skill to take down the brand new guard after a disappointing 2024, he shocked the tennis world by hiring Murray as his coach.
Kyrgios returns
The British three-time main winner is ready to overlook Brisbane however will be part of his former rival on the Australian Open.
“I will still try to go strong because I feel like my body is serving me well. I still have motivation to win Grand Slams, make more history,” mentioned Djokovic, who wants yet another Slam title to surpass Margaret Court’s report of 24.
“That’s one of the biggest reasons why I asked Andy to work with me – because I still have big plans. As long as that’s the case, I will keep going.”
By his requirements, 2024 was difficult. Djokovic did not win a Grand Slam, claimed only one title – Olympic gold in Paris – and ended his season in October.
A resurgent Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, and Frances Tiafoe are additionally competing in Brisbane, as is Australian Nick Kyrgios, who returns after accidents restricted him to only one ATP Tour singles match in two years. Kyrgios and Djokovic are set to play doubles collectively.
Challenging Sabalenka on Pat Rafter Arena will likely be American stars Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, ranked No. 7 and No. 8 respectively, together with former world No. 2 Ons Jabeur and veteran Victoria Azarenka.
Sabalenka, who beat China’s high-flying Zheng Qinwen on this 12 months’s Melbourne ultimate, had a stellar 2024, culminating in being named WTA Player of the Year this month.
The 26-year-old reached seven finals and received 4 titles, efficiently defending the Australian Open, lifting her first U.S. Open trophy, and profitable WTA 1000 occasions in Cincinnati and Wuhan. She additionally reclaimed the No. 1 rating from five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek, whose status was rocked in November when it was revealed she examined constructive for a banned coronary heart treatment in August.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency decided the violation was not intentional, and the Polish star acquired a one-month sanction.
Sinner awaits verdict
Swiatek referred to as the ordeal “the worst experience of my life” however vowed, “I know I will be stronger than ever.”
Her case is much like that of Australian Open winner Sinner, who continues to be awaiting the end result of a World Anti-Doping Agency attraction towards his preliminary exoneration for twice testing constructive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March.
The company instructed Agence France-Presse (AFP) a ruling will not be anticipated earlier than the brand new 12 months, although it may conceivably be handed down earlier than or through the Australian Open.
Joining Swiatek on the United Cup are world No. 2 Coco Gauff and fourth-ranked Jasmine Paolini.
Two-time Australian Open winner Naomi Osaka begins her season on the Auckland Classic, aiming for a stronger 12 months than 2024 when she did not win a title.
Former U.S. Open champions Emma Raducanu, ranked one place above Osaka at No. 57, and Bianca Andreescu are additionally slated to compete in New Zealand.
Source: www.dailysabah.com