At a Glance
- Novak Djokovic begins his 2025 Australian Open campaign Monday night against Pedro Martinez
- The 38-year-old has not won a Grand Slam since the 2023 US Open, with Sinner and Alcaraz claiming the last eight majors
- Djokovic withdrew from his only warmup event to preserve fitness, admitting he lacks “a little bit of juice in my legs”
- Why it matters: Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th major title faces its toughest test yet against tennis’s new dominant generation
Novak Djokovic enters the Australian Open with his trademark confidence intact, even as a two-year drought without a Grand Slam title has seen younger rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner seize control of men’s tennis.
The 38-year-old Serbian, who holds 24 major championships tied with Margaret Court for the most in tennis history, faces perhaps his most challenging period as he chases an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title.
Djokovic’s Dry Spell
Since capturing the 2023 US Open, Djokovic has watched Alcaraz and Sinner divide the subsequent eight Grand Slam titles between them. His last appearance at Melbourne Park ended in dramatic fashion when a torn hamstring forced retirement during his semifinal against Sinner.
The veteran acknowledges the shift in power at the sport’s pinnacle.
“I lost three out of four Slams against either Sinner or Alcaraz,” Djokovic said Saturday, maintaining his sense of humor about the situation. “We don’t need to praise them too much. They have been praised enough!”
Despite the praise, he recognizes their current supremacy: “Sinner and Alcaraz are playing on a different level right now from everybody else. That’s a fact.”
Strategic Adjustments
Djokovic’s preparation for this Australian Open reflects his evolving approach to competing at the highest level. He withdrew from his scheduled warmup tournament, understanding that preserving physical reserves takes priority over match practice.
The decision stems from a sobering reality check about competing with players nearly 15 years his junior at the business end of majors.
“I understand that in the last couple of years, that’s what changed the most for me – takes more time to rebuild, and it also takes more time to reset or recover,” he explained.
His mental approach has shifted as well. Djokovic has abandoned the “now-or-never type of mentality” that he believes hampers his performance, instead choosing to remind himself that “24 is also not a bad number.”
The Path Forward
Seeded fourth for the tournament, Djokovic opens Monday night on Rod Laver Arena against No. 71-ranked Pedro Martinez of Spain. His draw positions him in the same half as top-ranked Alcaraz, meaning they could only meet in the semifinals.
The 10-time Australian Open champion maintains belief in his ability to compete with anyone, anywhere.
“So I like my chances always, in any tournament, particularly here,” he stated firmly.
Physical Challenges
The toll of professional tennis at 38 manifests daily. Djokovic admits to experiencing “something here and there” regarding aches and pains, though he reports generally feeling good about his condition.
His last official tournament appearance came in November, providing extended time for physical rebuilding. A recent setback prevented his planned appearance at the Adelaide tournament, but he expresses satisfaction with his preparation in Melbourne.
Breaking From PTPA
Off the court, Djokovic made headlines by severing ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association, the organization he co-founded with Canadian player Vasek Pospisil in 2020. The group aimed to provide representation for players who operate as independent contractors.
“My values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization,” he stated, calling the decision to exit “a tough call.”
Djokovic felt his name had become too closely associated with the organization, creating a misconception that it belonged to him personally rather than serving as a collective players’ movement.
Despite his departure, he continues supporting the underlying concept of player representation.
“I think that there is room and there is a need for a 100% players-only representation organization existing in our ecosystem,” he noted.
Historical Context
Djokovic’s career arc mirrors his predecessors in fascinating ways. He learned to overcome the established Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal duopoly, eventually forming the legendary “Big Three” before surpassing both legends.
Now he faces a similar challenge from the next generation, with Alcaraz seeking to complete a career Grand Slam by adding the Australian Open title to his resume.
Tournament Outlook
The Serbian’s opening match against Martinez represents his first competitive test since November. His seeding ensures favorable early-round matchups, though potential meetings with Alcaraz in the semifinals loom large.
Sinner, who has captured the last two Australian Open titles, represents another significant obstacle should Djokovic advance deep into the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Djokovic begins Australian Open quest for record 25th Grand Slam at age 38
- Physical preservation has become paramount, leading to limited tournament preparation
- Mental approach shifted away from desperate “must-win” mentality
- Younger generation led by Alcaraz and Sinner has claimed last eight majors
- Fourth seed faces challenging draw with potential Alcaraz semifinal meeting
