Novak Djokovic is able to return to play and has despatched a really clear message to all his rivals. Tennis remains to be on the high of the previous world No. 1’s checklist of priorities, and he will be unable to be underestimated by anybody in 2025, particularly in Grand Slam tournaments.
It is no secret what Nole’s most important targets are at this stage of his profession, and the Serbian legend has proven that he can nonetheless be aggressive on the highest stage, though he now not has the identical consistency as he as soon as was. The present world quantity 7 is coming off a 2024 season by which he didn’t win any titles, apart from the gold medal on the Paris Olympics (which didn’t award ATP factors), however he reached the ultimate on the Wimbledon Championships and the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade will play the Brisbane Worldwide subsequent week, the place he may have the prospect to check his situation towards very harmful opponents. It’s clear that Novak’s thoughts is already targeted on the 2025 Australian Open, a match by which he has typically exalted himself and by which he has triumphed ten occasions.
Stefanos Tsitsipas & Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2023© Stream screenshot
Lately, Djokovic has considerably diminished his schedule by beginning to play fewer and fewer tournaments to protect his energies. After a 2024 that didn’t stay as much as expectations, by which he confirmed some indicators of decline, the previous world number one realized that he needed to change one thing.
The reference just isn’t solely to his recreation with the announcement of Andy Murray as his new coach, but in addition to his schedule. Nole has promised that he’ll play extra tournaments in 2025 and his presence on the Doha ATP 500 in February has already been introduced. The sensation is that subsequent season may even be decisive for his future in skilled tennis. If he doesn’t win any extra prestigious titles, the Serbian ace may resolve to retire on the finish of 2025.
Nole reveals his plans
In an extended interview with Tennis Australia earlier than the beginning of the Brisbane ATP 250, the Serbian legend opened up on subsequent season: “I haven’t played for couple months any official tournaments, I finished my season quite early. Just took some time to physically recover and get myself in the right shape and I’m excited to start the new season with a tournament before the Australian Open.
Brisbane is a great tournament and has always been historically, attracting some top players in the world, so I look forward to hopefully getting more than one match this week.
I’ve been working hard last month or so and, as I say, it’s going to take probably a little bit of time to get that match play going and get a sense for playing official points and getting ready.”
Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2024© Stream screenshot
He continued: “Hopefully I will win a few more tournaments and my ranking will go up to where it should be. The way I’m feeling today, I still think that I can go strong for years to come.
But how long I’m going to feel motivated to keep going is unpredictable. I still love this sport and I still love competing.”
Djokovic on Sinner’s doping case
The 24-time Grand Slam champion may even play doubles in Brisbane with Nick Kyrgios. The Serbian and the Australian have turn out to be shut mates in recent times and have determined to play collectively within the first official match of the brand new season. The expertise from Canberra has all the time been a really controversial participant, however in latest months he has additional drawn consideration to himself resulting from his repeated assaults on world No.1 Jannik Sinner.
The Italian ace has been hit by a foul doping case this 12 months and Nick believes he has obtained privileged therapy. Jannik’s case just isn’t but closed after WADA’s choice to attraction, which began a brand new trial earlier than the CAS in Lausanne.
Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros 2023© Stream screenshot
In the course of the press convention, Novak additionally expressed his opinion on this delicate subject: “I’m just questioning the way the system works, really. And why certain players are not treated the same like the other players. The issue is the inconsistency, is the transparency. We’ve been kept in the dark with Jannik’s case. I mean, I’m not questioning whether, you know, he took the banned substance intentionally or not.”
Djokovic also added: “I consider in a clear sport. I consider that the participant will do all the things potential to be enjoying honest. I’ve recognized Jannik since he was very younger, so he does not strike me as any individual that will do such a factor. I have been actually annoyed as a lot of the different gamers, to see that we have been saved in the dead of night for 5 months.”
