New Delhi: Novak Djokovic will begin the 2025 season at the Brisbane International before he starts his bid to win a 25th Grand Slam At Melbourne’s Australian Open. Djokovic has claimed the Australian Open for a record 10 times and is tied with Australian Margaret Court for a record 24 Grand Slam Singles titles. In his quest to surpass her in Melbourne, he has even joined forces with his long-time rival and now coach Andy Murray.
The Serb only managed to win gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and failed to add to his Grand Slam tally. The tournament in Brisbane will be held from December 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, and is one of the final warm-up events before the first Slam of the year kicks in on January 12.
The tournament will feature a 32-player draw, unlike most other tournaments that have a 28-player draw. The 37-year-old will chase his 100th tour-level trophy of his career and will become just the third man in the Open era behind Jimmy Connors’s 109 and Roger Federer’s 103 to achieve the feat.
Djokovic said, “I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena.” He added, “I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember.”
The excitement is real 🥳 @DjokerNole #BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/jgwQxNFkeB
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) December 3, 2024
This will be his second appearance in Brisbane after having previously lost in the first round to Ernests Gulbis on his debut back in 2009. Though he lost in the opening-round, Djokovic has an impressive record in warm-up tournaments leading to the Australian Open. He won the title in his only participation back in 2007 and 2008 in Adelaide. He has never lost a single match at the ATP Cup and even led Serbia to win the title in 2020.
The 24 Grand Slam Champion has also made the semifinals in his only appearance in Sydney back in 2019. His strong results before the Australian Open have always helped him start big in the season’s first and his favourite Slam. Djokovic will aim to script history down under in the upcoming season.
Last year’s winner Grigor Dimitrov and runner-up Holger Rune will also participate. Additionally, home favorite Nick Kyrgios is poised to make his much-anticipated return to competitive tennis after a long injury hiatus. The 29-year-old hasn’t played on the ATP Tour since June 2023. Frances Tiafoe and Matteo Berrettini will also start their season at Brisbane.
Djokovic eyeing historic 25th Slam at the Australian Open
All 24 Grand Slam winning moments of Novak Djokovic’s career. 🏆🐐pic.twitter.com/lneaNZmWzA
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) April 19, 2024
After the Brisbane International, Novak will directly head to Melbourne for the Australian Open and will not only be gunning 11th Australian Open title but also his 25th Major title. His triumph in Melbourne would make him the highest singles slam holder in both Men’s and Women’s. He failed to achieve the feat this year as he lost to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, his first loss at that stage in the Australian Open.
Djoko failed to defend his title at the French Open and then the US Open. He withdrew prior to the quarterfinals and lost the World No.1 rank to Jannik Sinner. In New York, he lost in the third round. He did reach the Wimbledon finals but failed to overcome Carlos Alcaraz in a rematch of last year’s championship showdown.
The Serb considers the Australian Open his most successful Major, having amassed an impressive 94-9 record at Melbourne with a 91% win rate and 10 titles. He won his first Australian Open in 2008 and then won three on the trot from 2011 to 2013.
Djokovic then claimed the trophy in 2015 and 2016. After a two-year drought, he again hit a hat-trick from 2019 to 2021. After being ineligible to participate in 2022 he again triumphed in 2023 marking his 10th. As he prepares for the 2025 season, fans eagerly anticipate his return to the court and his pursuit of more tennis history.
24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic kicks off his 2025 season at the Brisbane International, aiming for a record 25th major title and 100th career trophy. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
