Reason why 2025 Australian Open will be crucial for Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic hoped to achieve better results this year, especially in the Grand Slam tournaments. The former world number 1 – who had won three Majors in 2023 and lost the Wimbledon final after a tremendous battle with Carlos Alcaraz – did not shine in the biggest tournaments in 2024 and showed some cracks in his legendary armor.

At 37, the Serbian champion is no longer as strong as a few years ago and is forced to select events to attend. In addition, the rise of young champions like Carlitos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has created additional difficulties for him. The Spaniard defeated him again in the final of the Wimbledon Championships, while the Italian ace prevailed over the Serbian in the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this year.

During the French Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a knee injury that forced him to undergo surgery. Nole’s season cannot be considered disappointing because the Serbian won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, fulfilling one of his greatest dreams.

Novak played a near perfect tournament, enhanced by a monstrous performance against Alcaraz in the final. Clearly underdog according to the bookmakers and on his opponent’s favourite surface, the 37-year-old from Belgrade has shown why he is a legend of modern sport.

A tough season

Many wonder if Nole will be able to stay motivated at this point in his career. The 24-time Grand Slam champion knows that next year will be decisive and that – if he does not win a Major next year either – the hypothesis of retirement would begin to become concrete.

During a recent interview with Sportklub, former World No.4 James Blake commented on Novak’s future: “Physically, he is still in perfect shape. Now the only question is whether he wants to. He has done everything and won everything in this sport. Does he still want to sacrifice everything to continue being the best? He’s been…