Novak Djokovic will begin his 2025 season and bid for an 11th Australian Open title at the Brisbane International, it was announced Wednesday, with the Serbian superstar now coached by Andy Murray.
The 37-year-old is targeting a record 25th Grand Slam crown after failing to add to the total during a frustrating 2024, although he did win Olympic singles gold in Paris.
The ATP-WTA event runs December 29-January 5, with the Australian Open to begin on January 12.
"I'm excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena," said Djokovic. "I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember."
Should he win, it would be his 100th career title, just the third man in the Open era behind Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to achieve the feat.
Djokovic was beaten in the Australian Open semifinals this year by eventual champion Jannik Sinner with his failure to lift another major leaving him tied with Margaret Court on a record 24 Grand Slam singles crowns.
In a bid to surpass her in Melbourne, he has teamed up with long-time rival and the now-retired Murray.
The Brisbane tournament will also mark the return to competitive tennis of Australian Nick Kyrgios, who has played just one ATP Tour singles match in two years after knee, foot and wrist injuries.
Other men's players starting their year in Brisbane include Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, Frances Tiafoe and Matteo Berrettini.
Reigning Australian Open women's champion and world number one Aryna Sabalenka had previously announced she too would start her season at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
Three other top-10 players including Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and Daria Kasatkina will also play, as will former Brisbane champion Victoria Azarenka.
A host of other players have opted to start their year at the mixed-teams United Cup in Sydney and Perth, including women's world number two Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini.
Men's world number two Alexander Zverev and fourth-ranked Taylor Fritz have also signed up for the United Cup.
© 2024 AFP
8 Comments
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HopeSpringsEternal
With none other than Sir Andy Murray in his corner!
Fighto!
Final farewell tour for Djoker.
HopeSpringsEternal
Just won Olympic Gold in Aug?! He's got more gas in the tank, certainly he'll be in contention for majors in 2025, he's fit and healthy!
Peter14
He's done. The younger generation will finish him in the early rounds of the Aus open.
HopeSpringsEternal
Let's wait and see, August GOLD was not that long ago!
HopeSpringsEternal
It's not his health but rather his motivation that's in question. That's far different than Nadal or Federer whose bodies failed them.
As the undisputed GOAT and with his rivals retired, anyone would take a dip after winning the last major title missing - Olympic Gold.
Andy Murray could be just catalyst needed!
ebisen
If you have never held a racket and/or can't serve a decent overhead shot, please don't comment negatively. As you really have no idea what you're talking about. What The Djoker is doing right now is called writing history. Think of it as a huge privilege to be in the same generation with him (and Federer, Nadal) and be able to watch him live for yet one more tournament.
HopeSpringsEternal
Djoker has excellent chance at Australian, Wimbledon, and French, clearly a top 3 betting favorites if healthy, US Open will be the heaviest lift in terms of odds.