Watch: Novak Djokovic trains in Thailand. Do you acknowledge his rival?

The 24-time Main winner Novak Djokovic has been quiet for the final couple of weeks. After apparently becoming a member of forces together with his new coach, Andy Murray, in Marbella, Novak traveled to Thailand, his final cease earlier than heading to Brisbane for the beginning of the season.

Djokovic skilled with Thailand’s best, Kasidit Samrej. After conquering the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff in November, the 23-year-old will be part of the ten-time champion on the Australian Open in January. Thus, Samrej will debut at Majors and the ATP degree outdoors the Davis Cup. 

For those who didn’t acknowledge the younger Thai participant in the image, don’t query your tennis information. Kasidit is world no. 4-15 with out top-tier expertise. He took cost within the second half of 2024 and has handed 350 rivals on the ATP rating record since July! 

The Thai participant dropped outdoors the top-750 earlier than conquering back-to-back Futures titles at dwelling and beginning his climb by the record. He misplaced one other remaining in August and claimed his third Futures crown inside two months in September. 

Samrej’s second Challenger victory got here in Hangzhou in October. A couple of weeks later, he reached the primary quarter-final at this degree. Kasidit wrapped up he yr on the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff in November. He reached the ultimate and beat Rio Noguchi 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.

Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2024© Stream screenshot

 

The Thai participant took cost within the decider and sealed the deal in an hour and 48 minutes. Thus, he booked the 2025 Australian Open most important draw ticket, changing into the primary Thai participant in Melbourne since Danai Udomchoke 13 years earlier. 

The younger participant acquired a particular reward earlier than heading to Melbourne, coaching with the best participant of all time! Novak will use Thailand as his remaining cease earlier than heading to Brisbane for the primary event of the season. 

Djokovic will compete in Brisbane for the primary time since 2009, hoping to form up his strokes and assault his eleventh Australian Open crown.