Will Novak Djokovic play Australian Open 2025?

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Novak Djokovic has won 10 Australian Open titles.
An all-time tennis legend, Novak Djokovic last played at the Brisbane International event. The 37-year-old’s first match of the new season was against Rinky Hijikata in the first round of the competition, whom he defeated decisively. The Serbian then crushed Gael Monfils, extending his dominance over the Frenchman, against whom he has a favourable head-to-head 20-0.
However, in a stunning upset, World No. #293 Reilly Opelka defeated Djokovic in the quarterfinals in straight sets. Ever since he ‘completed tennis’ by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games, Djokovic has faced a series of setbacks, including a loss to Jannik Sinner at the Six Kings Slam 2024 semifinals and a shocking third-round exit at the US Open at the hands of Alexei Popyrin.
In Shanghai, Djokovic started his campaign against America’s Alex Michelsen before he recorded a resounding victory over Italy’s Fabio Cobolli. In the round of 16, he took down Roman Safiullin and then beat Jakub Mensik in the quarterfinals. The fourth seed stormed into the semifinals, where he faced 2024 US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz.
The American tennis star gave a tough fight to Djokovic in the second set but eventually lost the match. In the final, the 24-time Grand Slam winner clashed against top seeded Sinner and lost 7-6 (4), 6-4 to the Italian. With the runner-up finish, Djokovic put himself in a good position to qualify for the 2024 ATP Finals. However, he ended up opting out of the tournament.
Novak Djokovic, a 10-time winner at the Australian Open, has played limited tennis lately and failed to win a title in year 2024—barring the Olympic Gold at Paris.
Will Novak Djokovic play in Australian Open 2025?
At 37 years of age, Novak Djokovic will become the oldest singles tennis player to win the slam if he goes on to win the championship in Melbourne. However, given the amount of tennis he has played recently, clouds of uncertainty are hovering over Djokovic’s participation Down Under.
A recent disappointing loss to a lower ranked player in Brisbane would have been frustrating for both Djokovic and his new coach, Andy Murray. During the course of the match, the Serbian at certain points seemed to struggle with his knee, bringing attention to the injury that ruled him out of the 2024 French Open.
Also Read: How many matches has Novak Djokovic won at each Grand Slam?
Despite all these issues, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is aware of what’s at stake. Rod Laver Arena is his favourite venue and has always proved to be a happy hunting ground and hence, the AO presents the 37-year-old his best opportunity to lift his 25th Grand Slam trophy (currently tied at 24 with Margaret Court).
The 2025 Australian Open could mark Novak Djokovic’s final appearance Down Under. Despite fitness and form concerns, the Serbian legend aims for one last hurrah at Melbourne Park. A triumph would not only add to his Grand Slam tally but would statistically, also crown him the most successful player in tennis history.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.
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