The 24-time Major winner Novak Djokovic has been quiet for the last couple of weeks. After apparently joining forces with his new coach, Andy Murray, in Marbella, Novak traveled to Thailand, his last stop before heading to Brisbane for the start of the season.
Djokovic trained with Thailand’s finest, Kasidit Samrej. After conquering the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff in November, the 23-year-old will join the ten-time champion at the Australian Open in January. Thus, Samrej will debut at Majors and the ATP level outside the Davis Cup.
If you did not recognize the young Thai player in the picture, do not question your tennis knowledge. Kasidit is world no. 4-15 without top-tier experience. He took charge in the second half of 2024 and has passed 350 rivals on the ATP ranking list since July!
The Thai player dropped outside the top-750 before conquering back-to-back Futures titles at home and starting his climb through the list. He lost another final in August and claimed his third Futures crown within two months in September.
Samrej’s second Challenger victory came in Hangzhou in October. A few weeks later, he reached the first quarter-final at this level. Kasidit wrapped up he year at the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff in November. He reached the final and beat Rio Noguchi 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2024© Stream screenshot
The Thai player took charge in the decider and sealed the deal in an hour and 48 minutes. Thus, he booked the 2025 Australian Open main draw ticket, becoming the first Thai player in Melbourne since Danai Udomchoke 13 years earlier.
The young player received a special gift before heading to Melbourne, training with the greatest player of all time! Novak will use Thailand as his final stop before heading to Brisbane for the first tournament of the season.
Djokovic will compete in Brisbane for the first time since 2009, hoping to shape up his strokes and attack his 11th Australian Open crown.
Tennis World USA