Novak Djokovic is the number 1 seed of the ATP 250 Brisbane International that will end on Sunday 5 January 2025.
The number 7 in the ATP world ranking – who has not played an official match since the final lost against Jannik Sinner at the Shanghai Rolex Masters . released very cautious statements on the eve of his match about his state of form and the start of his highly anticipated season.
After the 24-time Grand Slam champion arrived in Brisbane, he trained on the center court of a tournament he chose to play to refine his preparation for the Australian Open, starting on Sunday 12 January 2025. It’s hard to know what level the Serbian champion will be at in this first tournament of the season, and he himself, from his statements on the eve of the match, doesn’t seem to be very sure.
“I hope to be able to play more than one match this week,” said the Serbian tennis player in an interview with the microphones and cameras of Tennis Australia.
“I finished my season quite early and have taken the time to recover physically and get fit. It’s exciting to start the season with a tournament before the Australian Open. Brisbane is a great tournament and has always attracted really good players, so I hope to play more than one match this week. I’ve been working hard over the last few months, but as I said, it will probably take a little bit of time to readjust to the competition and be fully ready,” he added.
Djokovic will play against Australian Rinky Hijikata. And he has also decided to play doubles and will form a highly anticipated pairing with Nick Kyrgios.
Nole’s words are quite understandable, after his troubled 2024, the year in which he – yes – won the much-dreamed-of Olympic gold medal (completing the Career Grand Slam), but otherwise had to suffer resounding defeats and significant physical problems. The Wimbledon final was the only other highlight of his season.
His caution in the media day in Brisbane is therefore normal. But I believe that Djokovic will start 2025 differently from 2024. With an extra Andy Murray in his box, the Serbian champion will want to prove that he is still the best, superior to everyone, throwing away a good part of 2024 and warning Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to be ready to receive his comeback.
