It was difficult to expect that Novak Djokovic would regularly participate in the Doha ATP 500, which will take place next week and will feature many top players.

In addition to the 24-time Grand Slam champion – who overcame the injury to his left thigh suffered at the 2025 Australian Open – there will also be Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the two new leaders of the men’s tour.

The day after his match against Alexander Zverev at Melbourne Park – in which he retired at the end of the first set – the Serbian legend had posted on his social networks the resonance of his left thigh injury.

Based on that photo, most insiders had speculated that the former world No.1 would only return to action in Monte Carlo or Madrid in the spring.

These rumors have turned out to be totally wrong, considering that the 37-year-old from Belgrade will play in Qatar next week.

Mark Petchey on Djokovic’s injury

In this regard, Mark Petchey urged fans not to believe everything they read on web: “Nole is well ahead of schedule with his recovery path and should be in good shape already in Doha. A few days after his injury in Australia, rumors circulated that he would only return to the red clay of Monte Carlo or Madrid. I want to give fans a very simple piece of advice: never believe anything you read about him.”

Novak has sped up his recovery for different reasons. First of all, the former world number 1 is intent on playing more tournaments than in recent seasons and he has proven it with facts. Secondly, the Serbian ace – before the start of 2025 – has signed an agreement with Qatar Airways, which is the main sponsor of the Doha ATP 500.

Djokovic only returned to practice earlier this week and will certainly need a few matches to find the right rhythm. The 37-year-old from Belgrade played at a very high level at the AO, especially in the quarterfinals against Carlitos Alcaraz.