Novak Djokovic endured a challenging 2024 that saw him lose all Grand Slam titles he competed at, the first time in nearly seven years. Despite winning Olympic Gold and reaching the Wimbledon final in Djokovic’s 2024 season, the Serbian legend is reportedly dissatisfied with his campaign this year. Djokovic plans to challenge for more titles next year, disregarding potentially stiff competition from Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Meanwhile, there are doubts about whether the 37-year-old can rediscover past glories, as the last of his generation of legendary players after Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Rafael Nadal have all retired. Djokovic, who has now appointed Murray as his new coach, is poised to win more Grand Slams before his career closes.
“In 2024 I didn’t play much and, Olympic Gold and Wimbledon final aside, it was perhaps the least profitable season in the last 10 years, with many ups and downs, issues to be resolved even on a private level,” he said in an interview with Italian media outfit Gazzetta dello Sport.
Djokovic Sets to Challenge Sinner and Alcaraz at Tennis Grand Slams in 2025
“However, I feel that I can still play at a high level. Sinner and Alcaraz have established themselves as the two best players in the world, not forgetting [Alexander] Zverev. All of them will be the main candidates to win the Slams and other titles,” Djokovic said.
"Physically and mentally I am ready to play my tennis again. I have the feeling that I can challenge these guys, and my experience can come in handy. So next year I will play more tournaments and the Slams in particular will be my priority: I will give my best to win, of course, if my body allows me to. But I'm fine, I still have time to rest and analyze what I can improve to have a better season than the last one."
Djokovic also clarified his admiration for Sinner, who clinched this year's Australian Open and US Open, alongside several ATP singles titles and the Davis Cup with Italy. "I remember Sinner when he was 14 or 15 years old and, even then, we talked about him: you could see that he would have a great career because he already had the right mentality and the right concentration."
The Serbian tennis icon also demonstrated his respect for world no. 1 Jannik. "Also I like Jannik because he always wants to improve." Djokovic outlined his plans to keep playing until he's no longer able to compete with the very best in the sport. "I want to continue to write the history of this sport, even if I still consider myself a student." "As long as I can stay at the top, I will continue to play."
Final Remarks
Djokovic eyes a challenge with Sinner and Alacarz at the 2025 Grand Slams after what he describes as his career's least profitable year in 2024. The 37-year-old believes he can still compete at the highest level, and is set to triumph over the game's best next year, and afterwards, until his body gives way to top-level competitiveness in the tennis rankings.