Novak Djokovic hinted at a surprising change in his plans for 2025 as he aims to challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz again.
It’s not a secret that, at 37, Djokovic has probably only one or two more competitive seasons in him. As a player who has defied the standards of what seemed possible only a few years ago, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he continued playing even when many would already expect him to stop.
Still, as it stands right now, the 2024 season was probably the worst in the Serbian’s career, even though he finally fulfilled his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Previously, Djokovic hinted that he would play fewer tournaments than he used to, focusing only on Grand Slams and representing Serbia, but it now appears that he has changed that decision.
In recent days, Djokovic has been busy traveling all around the world. First, he was in Qatar for the Qatar Grand Prix, and then he moved to Argentina to attend the final of the 2024 Copa Libertadores before playing against Juan Martin Del Potro in the Argentinian’s last career match.
During those busy days, the 24-time Grand Slam champion also found some time to speak to Gazzetta dello Sport, assessing his 2024 season, which he admitted wasn’t successful.
“In 2024 I didn’t play much and, Olympic gold and Wimbledon final aside, it was perhaps the least profitable season in the last 10 years, with many ups and downs, issues to be resolved even on a private level.”
At the same time, Djokovic still feels like he can challenge the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and of course, he didn’t forget to mention Alexander Zverev either, as the German is currently the second highest-ranked player on the ATP Tour.
“However, I feel that I can still play at a high level. Sinner and Alcaraz have established themselves as the two best players in the world, not forgetting [Alexander] Zverev. All of them will be the main candidates to win the Slams and other titles.”
To be able to challenge them, Djokovic seemingly changed his approach to tournaments in 2025. Despite previously hinting that he would be playing less, he now said the complete opposite.
Djokovic said that he plans to play more tournaments in 2025, something that is surprising but might be logical, as more playing time might make him more ready to be competitive. This move might also come as advice from his new coach, Andy Murray.
“However, physically and mentally I am ready to play my tennis again. I have the feeling that I can challenge these guys, and my experience can come in handy.”
“So next year I will play more tournaments and the Slams in particular will be my priority: I will give my best to win, of course if my body allows me to. But I’m fine, I still have time to rest and analyse what I can improve to have a season better than the last one.”
Djokovic should employ this approach already early in the season, as he previously hinted that he will begin his 2025 season at one of the tournaments before the Australian Open.
