Novak Djokovic hopes that 2025 will be full of satisfaction unlike 2024, in which only his resounding triumph at the Paris Olympics allowed him to save a fairly disappointing season for a legend of his caliber.
Novak Djokovic, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has made some changes in his preparation compared to the past, knowing that he needs something different to defeat opponents much younger than him. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have become the benchmarks of the men’s tour thanks to their victories in 2024, while Nole must prove to the whole world that he can still be competitive at the highest level at almost 38 years old.
The former world No.1 got off to a good start to the new season by effortlessly defeating Rinky Hijikata on his debut at the Brisbane International. The Serbian legend looked in good shape, considering that his last official tournament was the Rolex Shanghai Masters last October.
Nole wants to win in Brisbane
The 37-year-old from Belgrade – who is looking to win the 100th title of his glorious career – will face French veteran Gael Monfils tomorrow. Novak has always defeated Monfils on the professional tour and will try to continue his positive streak.
However, it is no secret that Djokovic’s main goal is the Australian Open. The Serbian won’t be the main favorite at Melbourne Park this time around, but no one can afford to underestimate a player who has won 10 times there.
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios© Brisbane International/X – Fair Use
In a long conversation on ‘Sky Sports’, former WTA star Laura Robson revealed how many chances Nole has of winning another Grand Slam title: “It gets harder because everyone else improves, but I still think he has got another one in him.”
“If I had to pick I’d probably still say a grass court and when you think of the Wimbledon final this year against Carlos Alcaraz, he didn’t really get himself into the match at all.
Then just three weeks later, he plays one of the best three-set matches of all time against Carlitos in the final of the Olympics.”
She continued: “I always feel like everyone tries to rule him out, but he always comes back and proves you wrong.
He has said now that he is focusing on the Slams. That’s it now. He has done everything else on the ATP Tour. He has checked every box, he had won every tournament, so now that he has four tournaments on his brain, I’m sure he’s going to do it somewhere.”
Tennis World USA