Novak Djokovic will compete in Brisbane for the first time since 2009. The 24-time Major will kick off the new season at the ATP 250 event, shaping up his game ahead of the Australian Open title chase. Djokovic arrived in Brisbane from Thailand.

The legend trained with one of his favorite youngsters, Jakub Mensik. Novak will play his first official match since the Shanghai Masters final against Rinky Hijikata in the first round. Djokovic and Mensik could meet in the semi-final, but they must pass challenging opponent in the early rounds.

Novak and Jakub have been in touch since 2022 when the legend called the young gun. The legend provided advice and contacts, helping Mensik chase his tennis dreams. Their first duel came in Shanghai, in Novak’s last tournament of the 2024 season.

Two rivals fought in the quarter-final, and the veteran scored a 6-7, 6-1, 6-4 victory in two hours and 19 minutes. The Serb bounced back after the opener, sealing the deal in three sets and collecting his ninth Shanghai Masters semi-final.

Novak served for the opening set at 5-4. He lost serve for the only time, keeping the youngster in contention. Mensik claimed a tie break and moved closer to a notable victory. However, Djokovic provided four breaks in sets two and three, turning the tables and sealing the deal.

Novak faced Taylor Fritz in the semi-final and prevailed, arranging the title clash with Jannik Sinner. The Serb chased his fifth Shanghai Masters crown but suffered a 7-6, 6-3 defeat against the world’s best player. The veteran withdrew from the remaining events of the season.

Novak recharged his batteries and gathered energy ahead of 2025, seeking more notable titles in the season ahead. He claimed the Olympic Games gold medal in 2024, completing all 15 notable titles and returning his focus to Majors in 2025.