Is Novak Djokovic Still Elite or Falling Behind in 2025?

Novak Djokovic announced today, Sunday, December 29th, that he plans to continue playing tennis for many more years, participating in more tournaments on the ATP Tour 2025 schedule, and looking to overcome the new “guard” of world tennis, including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

2024 Season: A Disappointing Year for Djokovic

For Djokovic, the 2024 season was “a disappointing year,” even though he won the Olympic gold medal in men’s singles. However, he did not secure any Grand Slam titles and dropped to 7th place in the ATP rankings. Djokovic aims to restore his ranking to its rightful position.

Djokovic’s Goals for the Upcoming ATP Tour 2025 Season

“I’m looking for a better start to the new season; I want more stability across all the tournaments. I also want to play more this year compared to last season. Therefore, I hope that my level of play will also improve!” Djokovic shared.

“I hope to win a few more tournaments, and my ranking will return to its rightful place,” Djokovic eagerly stated as he prepares for the Brisbane International 2025, one of the three season-opening events on the global tennis circuit.

A New Era: No More Big Three or Big Four in Tennis

This will be the first season Djokovic competes with a somewhat unfamiliar feeling: on the other side of the net, there will no longer be any representatives from the Big Three or Big Four. Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal both retired last season, while Roger Federer announced his retirement in 2022.

Djokovic Faces the New Tennis “Guard” – Sinner and Alcaraz

Currently, there is no longer a Big Three or Big Four, only the duo Sinner – Alcaraz, the new “guard” blocking Djokovic from seizing more Grand Slam opportunities.

Djokovic’s Plans for the Future and Australian Open Goals

Although turning 38 years old in May next year, Djokovic has no plans to retire and is targeting his 11th Australian Open title and 25th Grand Slam: “With how I feel right now, I still believe I can continue strongly for many more years. But I can’t predict how long this motivation will last. Right now, I still love this sport and enjoy competing.”

Djokovic’s Comeback at Brisbane International 2025

Djokovic will play his opening match at the Queensland Tennis Centre against wild card Rinky Hijikata (ranked 73rd in the world). The Brisbane tournament will be his first official event since losing to Sinner in the Shanghai Masters final back in October.

Djokovic Partners with Nick Kyrgios for Doubles in Brisbane

Additionally, at this event, Djokovic will team up with the “bad boy” Nick Kyrgios, who has just recovered from injuries, and is eager to play doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis at the Australian Open.