Djokovic aims to challenge Sinner, Alcaraz in 2025

By Vy Anh December 3, 2024 | 05:27 am PT

Novak Djokovic (R) shakes hands with Jannik Sinner after the 2024 Australian Open semifinal in January. Photo by Reuters

Novak Djokovic admits his form has declined but is ready to mount a challenge for major titles in 2025, setting his sights on star players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

"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," Djokovic said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on Dec. 1.

"Sinner and Alcaraz have established themselves as the two best players in the world, not forgetting Zverev. All of them will be the main candidates to win the Slams and other titles. I have the feeling that I can challenge these guys, and my experience can come in handy."

Djokovic ended the 2024 ATP Tour without a title, reaching the finals at Wimbledon and Shanghai Masters. His standout achievement was winning Olympic gold, but after that, his form seemed to dip. To improve this situation, he recently appointed his former rival Andy Murray as his coach, hoping this partnership will give him a boost in 2025.

"I want to continue to write the history of this sport, even if I still consider myself as a student," Djokovic said. "As long as I can stay at the top, I will continue to play."

Djokovic's immediate focus is the Australian Open, where he will compete against defending champion Sinner and other young challengers. Sinner, who finished 2024 as world number one, had a breakthrough year, winning 73 matches and seven titles, including two Grand Slams. He defeated Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals before going on to claim the title.

"I remember Sinner when he was 14 or 15 years old and, even then, we talked about him: you could see that he would have a great career, because he already had the right mentality and the right concentration," Djokovic said. "It doesn’t surprise me to see him today at this level, having followed him carefully all these years, observing his way of playing and structuring himself. Also, I like Jannik because he always wants to improve."

Djokovic and Murray will begin working together in the second half of December, ahead of the Australian Open warm-up events in the new year. The Australian Open remains Djokovic's favorite Grand Slam tournament, where he has won 10 titles, including four of the last five editions.