What drives Novak Djokovic to continue competing at almost 38 years old? The former world No. 1 has already made history in the sport and probably deserves to be recognized as the GOAT. The Serbian legend has broken almost all men’s tennis records, snatching them from his eternal rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but he has no plans to retire yet.
In 2024, the champion from Belgrade also achieved the last goal he was missing by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. While it wasn’t a particularly brilliant season for a legend of his caliber, Nole still completed the puzzle and garnered well-deserved recognition from the entire world.
Everyone complimented him and recognized his greatness, even those who were never his fans. Despite all the victories he has achieved, Novak has specified that his retirement is still far away and has even promised that he will try to participate in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 (when he will be 41 years old).
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2024© Stream screenshot
The former world number 1 missed the last official tournaments of 2024, also generating some controversy among fans and insiders, but he reassured everyone by saying that tennis is still at the top of his priorities and that he will give his best next season.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will start 2025 with a new coach on his side, Andy Murray, who will follow him to the 2025 Australian Open. The Happy Slam is a particularly important event for Nole, the one in which he has the best chance of winning his 25th Major along with the Wimbledon Championships.
Djokovic has triumphed ten times at Melbourne Park and knows all the ‘secrets’ of the Rod Laver Arena, which is why no opponent will be able to allow himself the luxury of underestimating him. The current world No. 7 will assess his condition at Brisbane International, before giving his best at the 2025 AO.
Djokovic wants to start strong
On the latest edition of the ‘Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast’, former WTA Top 10 Andrea Petkovic discussed Novak’s chances in 2025: “So, my prediction for Novak is that he will not give a flying F about any of the tournaments except for the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
And he will make a huge push with everything he has still got left in that cute 40-year-old body of his. Will put everything into winning one of these, try and get to 25, and then get the f*** out.”
Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot
Rennae Stubbs also expressed her opinion on this topic: “Obviously we know that’s the tournament he plays his best tennis at.
He’s won that 10 times, which is outrageous! The fact that he’s won 10 Australian Open’s is just mind boggling. The only person you can talk about in the same category is Rafa Nadal winning 14 French Opens.
“I’m not kidding you, if he wins the Australian Open, I would like him to drop the mic.”
His 2025 begins in Brisbane
The Serbian ace will be the No.7 seed in Melbourne, which is why he could face Sinner or Alcaraz already in the quarterfinals. Unlike what happened this year, Nole knows well that he will have to show up in Australia in excellent condition and that he will have to play his best tennis from the first rounds.
For this reason, the former world No. 1 decided to hire Murray as a coach and play an official tournament before the AO. In Brisbane, where he boasts only one appearance in 2009, Novak will play both singles and doubles together with Nick Kyrgios.
The Australian champion will return to the tour next year and will be a dangerous opponent for everyone if he doesn’t have injuries. The finalist of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships will also play the 2025 edition of the Australian Open, in which he will be able to count on the support of his fans and will not have any particular pressure. Nick wants to have fun in the latter part of his career and try to win a Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot
In an interview with ‘Tennis Channel’, American star Chris Eubanks commented on the interesting partnership between Djokovic and Kyrgios in Brisbane: “I love to see them able to come together. I think we have seen a bit of a topsy-turvy relationship between the two.
They have been able to make amends and seem to be having a bit of a ‘bromance’ at various points. We have seen Nick on social media being one of Novak’s biggest supporters and cheering him on at certain points.
I think it is good for the game to have two of the biggest personalities and two of the best players in the world teaming up on the same side of the court.”
Tennis World USA