Novak Djokovic appears poised to intensify his tournament schedule in 2025, signaling a shift in his earlier plans to scale back his tennis commitments. The Serbian star, who had previously expressed a lack of enthusiasm for events outside of the Grand Slams, now seems ready to take a different approach as he reconsiders his role in the sport.
Throughout much of 2024, Djokovic seemed somewhat disinterested in non-Slam tournaments, with some surprising losses in ATP events highlighting this dip in focus. He also opted out of several tournaments he might have traditionally participated in, including withdrawing from the ATP Finals due to an injury, bringing his season to an early end.
However, recent developments indicate a change in Djokovic’s mindset. His decision to recruit Andy Murray, a former rival, as a coach ahead of the Australian Open has sent a wave of excitement through the tennis community. This move, coupled with Djokovic’s announcement of plans to compete in a warm-up tournament in Brisbane before the Australian Open, shows his intent to approach the 2025 season with renewed vigor.
Djokovic’s goals are ambitious, with his sights set on capturing an incredible 11th Australian Open title. To prepare, he has confirmed that he will also compete at the ATP 500 event in Qatar in February, aiming to avoid the pitfalls that plagued his form in 2024.
As many seasoned players near the end of their careers, there’s often the temptation to reduce their tournament appearances to preserve their bodies. However, as Djokovic knows all too well, minimizing time on court can backfire, particularly when trying to regain match sharpness for the sport’s biggest events. A lack of competition can make it harder to perform at a high level, leading to physically draining long matches when they do arise.
For a 37-year-old who has logged more match hours than most in tennis history, staying match-fit is crucial. Djokovic’s knee injury at the French Open earlier this year was a stark reminder of the risks that come with limited tournament play. The physical toll of aging combined with a reduced schedule can lead to more frequent injuries and harder recoveries.
Pat Cash, a former Wimbledon champion, recently offered insight into the challenges older players face when attempting to balance rest with the need for match fitness. “Older players fall into this trap every time that they are trying to save their body, and they don’t always get a good balance on playing enough matches,” Cash told Tennis365.
He continued, “You tend to see older players start to lose five-set matches or have more bad days, and that’s natural. That’s match toughness.” Cash believes that Djokovic, despite his extensive career, still needs to maintain that mental and physical toughness, particularly when competing in best-of-five set matches at major tournaments.
“You can’t afford to get into tough five-set matches early in a Slam, especially as you get older,” Cash explained. “If you don’t have enough matches under your belt, and you play a long one early on, you’re going to be sore.”
Cash pointed to Andy Murray, another veteran player with a history of injuries, who remained dedicated to competing in as many tournaments as possible toward the end of his career. For Djokovic, Cash believes, the key to continued success lies in striking the right balance with his schedule, ensuring he has enough match practice to remain competitive.
With Djokovic now setting his sights on a busier 2025 season, the real question will be whether the motivation that once fueled his career will persist in the face of tougher opponents and higher stakes. The arrival of Murray in his coaching team could serve as a boost, helping Djokovic stay focused and avoid complacency. Yet, the true test will come in Brisbane next month when Djokovic steps onto the court for his first match of the new year.
If Djokovic struggles to reignite the fire that once drove him to the pinnacle of the sport, it could raise doubts about his ability to maintain the elite level of play that defined his career. However, if he can rediscover his hunger for victory in 2025, those who have prematurely written him off may quickly regret their assessments, as the Serbian remains one of the most formidable talents the sport has ever seen.