Novak Djokovic is gearing up to face off against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the Grand Slam stage as he prepares for his return to competitive action at the Australian Open. After a challenging year in 2024, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is determined to bounce back.
Djokovic, now 37, failed to secure any major titles this season, marking the first time since 2017—when he struggled with injuries—that he has gone without a Grand Slam victory. The year proved particularly significant for Sinner, the current World No. 1, who dethroned Djokovic at the Australian Open en route to claiming his first Grand Slam title. Sinner also defeated Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters final in October, capping off a remarkable season by winning the ATP Finals.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning U.S. Open champion, solidified his dominance by retaining his Wimbledon crown. Djokovic, however, proved his resilience by capturing his first Olympic gold medal in Paris, defeating Alcaraz just weeks after their Wimbledon final.
Djokovic’s season was further disrupted by injuries, including a knee issue that forced him to withdraw during the French Open quarterfinals. This paved the way for Alcaraz to shine at Roland Garros. Notably, long-time rival Rafael Nadal, a 14-time French Open champion, also had an early exit in Paris, losing to Alexander Zverev in the first round.
Reflecting on his performance and the emergence of new talent, Djokovic acknowledged Sinner and Alcaraz as the two top players in the world, with Zverev also being a strong contender. Despite slipping to seventh in the ATP rankings, Djokovic expressed confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level. He emphasized his mental and physical readiness and believes his experience will be a key advantage.
Looking ahead, Djokovic plans to play more tournaments in 2025, prioritizing the Grand Slam events. He remains optimistic about his chances of adding to his illustrious career, provided his body holds up.
On offering advice to Sinner, Djokovic praised the Italian’s achievements but noted the challenge of maintaining elite performance consistently over the years.
As one of the last remaining members of his generation still competing, Djokovic has witnessed the retirements of other legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray. Interestingly, Murray has now joined Djokovic’s coaching team, adding expertise to the Serbian’s quest for an 11th Australian Open title. The season’s first major tournament is set to begin on January 12.