Novak Djokovic sent clear message about Rod Laver Arena name change

An Australian tennis star has suggested changing the name of the Rod Laver Arena in honour of Novak Djokovic’s incredible record at the venue.

Novak Djokovic has been told he could one day have the Rod Laver Arena named after him (Image: Getty)

The Rod Laver Arena should one day be renamed after Novak Djokovic due to his incredible success at the Australian Open. That is the controversial opinion of retired Aussie tennis ace John Millman, who reckons the Serbian great would richly deserve such an honour given his record at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic has won the first Grand Slam of the year 10 times in his illustrious career. An 11th this year would be a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title and his 100th tournament triumph overall.

Changing the name of the tournament’s main venue would be hugely contentious given tennis legend Laver’s standing in the game and Australian sport in general. The now 86-year-old is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern tennis, having turned professional in the early 1960s, paving the way for the start of the ‘Open Era’ later in the decade.

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However, Millman believes it would be a fitting tribute to Djokovic’s extraordinary impact on the tournament, where he has won more than 90 per cent of his matches. Millman feels an 11th Australian Open crown is on the cards for the 37-year-old, despite Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s recent dominance of the game.

The young pair shared the four Grand Slam titles in 2024, although Djokovic took Olympic gold in Paris. Millman told 9news: “I have a feeling that the stars are aligning for Novak. He is chasing his 100th career title.

“We thought he was going to win it in Brisbane [at the Brisbane International where he lost to Reilly Opelka in straight sets], but he didn’t do it.

Rod Laver (centre) is an Australian and tennis icon (Image: Getty)

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“But how wonderful it would be if he won it at the Australian Open, on a court he knows so well. You see, the Rod Laver Arena has a suitable name, but it wouldn’t surprise me if at some point we rename it to the Novak Arena because of his dominance on these courts.”

Djokovic, who has slipped to seventh in the world rankings, will have new coach Andy Murray in his box for the first time in his opening match against young American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy. Djokovic is in the same part of the draw as Alcaraz.

Number one seed Jannik Sinner, who is defending a Grand Slam title for the first time, is away from all his rivals in the top half and opens against Chilean Nicolas Jarry.