Novak Djokovic will start his 2025 season next week, when he will make his debut at the Brisbane International in both singles and doubles. The former world number 1 has already arrived in Australia and seems very motivated to achieve important results next year.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion did not shine as everyone would have expected in 2024, saving his season only thanks to his victory at the Paris Olympics during the summer. Many fans and insiders claim that that triumph accelerated the process that will lead to his retirement, also taking away the last motivations to continue competing at the highest level.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade will try to prove his detractors wrong in 2025, which could be the last year in which he has a serious chance of winning another Major title. The current world number 7 will not be the top favorite at the Australian Open and could have a very tough draw, with the possibility of facing Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz already in the quarterfinals.
Novak Djokovic, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
Nole has noticed that his level has not been good enough for most of last season and has already promised that his schedule will be different in 2025. The former world number 1 intends to play more tournaments than in previous years and has chosen Andy Murray as his new coach to find the right motivations.
The two former rivals will begin collaborating at Melbourne Park, where Novak will be looking to win his 11th title. The prestigious tournament in Brisbane will also be important, which could allow him to win the 100th title of his legendary career. The ace from Belgrade wants to play as many matches as possible next week, in order to arrive at the Australian Open with the right rhythm and start the tournament with a higher level of play than usual.
Nole is very optimistic
During the press conference before the start of the Brisbane ATP 250, the Serbian legend opened up on his partnership with Andy Murray: “Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals.
In a way, it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has been always one of the top rivals.
But I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia.”
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray© Screenshot
Nole also added: “The 10 days that we spent together were terrific. I enjoyed every bit of it. He’s very meticulous, he’s very dedicated, so professional.
It doesn’t surprise me because I’ve known him so many years as a player and obviously it’s a new experience for him as a coach and it came somewhat as a surprise to him and me that we are pairing up as a coach and player.
I think he’s bringing a fresh look to my game and I think I’ll be able to benefit from that, no doubt, on the tennis court. But also that kind of champion’s mentality that he has, I’m sure that we’ll match very well.”
The 100th title is close
The 24-time Grand Slam champion seems confident that Murray will have a big impact on his game and it would be good for the men’s tour if Novak continues to fight for the most prestigious titles in 2025 as well. In the last year, his gap to Sinner and Alcaraz seems to have increased and the age difference is starting to be felt.
Novak Djokovic© X screenshot
The Serbian ace struggled especially against the current world No.1, who defeated him in the semifinals of the Australian Open and in the final of the Rolex Shanghai Masters last October. Carlitos beat Nole in the final of the Wimbledon Championships for the second year in a row, but was surprised by Djokovic in the final of the Olympic tournament. The 21-year-old from Murcia is capable of reaching really high peaks, but his ups and downs allow a veteran like Novak to take advantage of his experience. The Italian champion is much more consistent during the season and represents a younger version of Nole.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade is not afraid to compete against opponents much fresher than him and Murray’s advice could be important in the decisive rounds of Grand Slam tournaments. The former world number 1 is practicing very hard in the last days before the start of the Brisbane ATP 250, which could allow him to write a new page in tennis history.
Tennis World USA