Djokovic Targets Australian Open Glory

Posted : 25 December 2024

Novak Djokovic is determined to add to his Grand Slam tally, starting with the Australian Open, as he pursues an unprecedented 11th title in Melbourne and a record 25th major crown. The Serbian will begin his campaign in Brisbane this week, alongside a stellar lineup that includes top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, who is eyeing her third Melbourne Park trophy.

The 2025 tennis season officially kicks off on December 29 with the mixed-teams United Cup, headlined by world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, marking her return after serving a one-month doping suspension. Notably, this will be the first season in which none of the "Big Four"—following the retirements of Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Roger Federer—will be competing alongside Djokovic.

As rising stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz take center stage, Djokovic remains focused on reclaiming his dominance. Despite a disappointing 2024 season, which saw him fail to win a Grand Slam and claim just one title, Olympic gold in Paris, he stunned the tennis world by appointing former rival Andy Murray as his coach.

Djokovic expressed confidence in his fitness and motivation, stating, “I still have big plans, so as long as that’s the case, I will keep going.” Brisbane will also feature a strong field, including Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, Frances Tiafoe, and Nick Kyrgios, who returns to action after a two-year struggle with injuries and is set to play doubles with Djokovic.

Aryna Sabalenka enters the new season riding high after a sensational 2024, during which she claimed the WTA Player of the Year title. The Belarusian successfully defended her Australian Open crown, won her first US Open, and captured WTA 1000 titles in Cincinnati and Wuhan, regaining the world No. 1 ranking.

Her challengers in Brisbane include American stars Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, as well as former world No. 2 Ons Jabeur and veteran Victoria Azarenka. Meanwhile, Swiatek aims to rebuild her reputation after her doping controversy, vowing to emerge stronger. She will compete at the United Cup alongside Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini, while Naomi Osaka looks for a fresh start at the Auckland Classic.

The tennis world is also awaiting the outcome of a doping appeal involving Jannik Sinner, who could face a ruling before or during the Australian Open. Sinner, initially exonerated after testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, may have his case overturned depending on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s decision.

In Auckland, the field features former US Open champions Emma Raducanu and Bianca Andreescu, alongside Osaka, as they all seek to climb back into the top tier of women’s tennis in the new season.

Djokovic Targets Australian Open Glory

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