Novak Djokovic will kick off his 2025 season on the Brisbane International, aiming to safe his eleventh Australian Open title.
The Serbian legend, now coached by long-time rival Andy Murray, will begin his quest for a document twenty fifth Grand Slam, after a difficult 2024 the place he failed so as to add to his tally, regardless of successful Olympic singles gold in Paris.
The Brisbane occasion, set for Dec. 29 by way of Jan. 5, serves because the prelude to the Australian Open, which begins on Jan. 12.
Djokovic expressed his pleasure, trying ahead to the electrical environment at Pat Rafter Arena. “I’m thrilled to start my Australian swing in Brisbane and compete in front of the incredible Australian fans,” Djokovic stated. “I want to make this tournament one to remember.”
Victory in Brisbane would mark Djokovic’s one centesimal profession title, becoming a member of Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the one males within the Open Era to achieve that milestone.
After a semifinal defeat on the Australian Open this yr to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, Djokovic stays tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
His failure to safe one other main in 2024 left him chasing the document for essentially the most Grand Slam singles titles. “I still feel I can play at the highest level,” Djokovic remarked. “Sinner, Alcaraz, and Zverev have all established themselves as top contenders, but I believe my experience gives me a strong chance to challenge them.”
Despite a dry spell in 2024, the place he didn’t win any Grand Slams for the primary time since his injury-plagued 2017, Djokovic is raring for a recent begin.
He was dethroned by World No. 1 Sinner at Melbourne Park and misplaced to him once more within the Shanghai Masters last.
Meanwhile, Sinner clinched the ATP Finals title, and Djokovic withdrew from the occasion attributable to harm.
He additionally missed the French Open quarterfinals attributable to a knee subject, with Carlos Alcaraz seizing the chance to dominate Roland Garros and retain his Wimbledon crown.
However, Djokovic discovered redemption in Paris, capturing his first Olympic gold medal, defeating Alcaraz three weeks after their Wimbledon conflict.
“I’m ready to play my tennis again,” Djokovic stated, expressing confidence in his means to compete with the brand new era. “I know Sinner and Alcaraz are the top players, but my experience can help me challenge for titles.”
2024 marked Djokovic’s least profitable season in a decade, slipping to seventh within the ATP rankings.
He has since dedicated to taking part in extra tournaments in 2025, prioritizing Grand Slams and aiming for a powerful comeback, well being allowing. “I will give my best to win,” he added.
Now the final man standing from his era after the retirements of Federer, Murray, and Nadal, Djokovic is embracing a brand new chapter with Murray becoming a member of his teaching workforce.
As the Australian Open looms, Djokovic is eyeing his eleventh title in Melbourne, with Murray’s help including a brand new dynamic to his marketing campaign.
Brisbane may also mark the return of Australian Nick Kyrgios, who has battled knee, foot, and wrist accidents, taking part in only one ATP match in two years.
Other males beginning their 2025 campaigns in Brisbane embody Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, Frances Tiafoe, and Matteo Berrettini.
On the ladies’s aspect, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, reigning Australian Open champion, may also start her season on the Queensland Tennis Centre.
Top-10 gamers like Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, and Daria Kasatkina are set to compete, together with former Brisbane champion Victoria Azarenka.
Several gamers have opted for the United Cup, together with World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jasmine Paolini. Men’s top-10 gamers Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz are additionally signed up for the mixed-teams occasion in Sydney and Perth.
Source: www.dailysabah.com