Novak Djokovic is ready to compete again! The 37-year-old recovered from a hamstring injury that forced him to retire in the Australian Open semi-final. Novak confirmed the muscle tear is almost 100% healed, which allows him to travel to Doha this week.
Djokovic will chase the ATP 500 title in two weeks, hoping to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The Serb could have missed a couple of months following the first MRI results. However, he managed to recover and stuck to his schedule.
Novak skipped the Davis Cup tie against Denmark. His team did everything to fix the rapture in his left leg with treatments and therapies, and the legend is ready to compete again. The Belgrade native became the Olympic Games champion last August.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
He slowed his engines and wrapped up the season following the Shanghai Masters final. The veteran missed the ATP Finals and took a break ahead of 2025. Novak kicked off the new season in Brisbane and fell to inspired Reilly Opelka.
He arrived in Melbourne as one of the favorites, seeking his 25th Major crown and the 11th at the Australian Open. The Serb did not play at his best in the opening two rounds. He bested two young guns in four sets and raised his level.
Novak Djokovic & Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
The ten-time champion toppled Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka in straight sets. He played well on serve and return and arranged the quarter-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz. The 37-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in the first set and required a medical timeout.
The Spaniard claimed the opener and became the favorite. However, the legend responded nicely at the beginning of the second set. He still struggled with his movement but did not lose his composure. The veteran clinched the set and felt better in the third and fourth.
Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Novak ousted Carlos after three hours and 37 minutes, moving into his 50th Major semi-final and writing history books. The Serb did not train on Wednesday and Thursday, preserving his leg for Friday’s clash against Alexander Zverev.
As always, Djokovic gave everything at Rod Laver Arena. He challenged world no. 2 in the opening set before losing it 7-6 after 80 minutes. Novak missed a volley in the last point and retired due to increased pain in his troubled leg.
The 24-time Major champion took an MRI that confirmed the torn hamstring. Djokovic returned to Belgrade and started his treatment. The body responded nicely, and Novak should travel to Doha in the upcoming days.
Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
“The muscle tear is gone. The injury is almost 100% healed, and I’m ready to chase new achievements. I have the green light from the medical team to train and prepare. The tournament in Doha starts in seven days, and I’m sticking to the plan.
Thank God I managed to recover quickly,” Novak Djokovic said.
Tennis World USA