By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, December 2, 2024
Photo credit: Rolex Paris Masters Facebook
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz split the Grand Slam spoils this season.
Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic says he’s ready to challenge those reigning champions for Slam silverware.
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The 2024 season marked the first time since 2017 that Djokovic failed to win a Grand Slam title.
The 37-year-old Serbian superstar fulfilled a dream when he defeated Alcaraz to capture the Olympic gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympic Games.
In an interview with Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Djokovic said he views Sinner, Alcaraz and French Open finalist Alexander Zverev as the the top three contenders for 2025 Grand Slams and he believes he can beat all of them.
“I feel I can still play at the highest level,” Djokovic told Gazzetta dello Sport. “Sinner and Alcaraz have established themselves as the two best players in the world, not to forget Zverev.
“All of them will be the main candidates to win the Slams and other titles. However, physically and mentally I am ready to play my tennis again and I have the feeling that I can challenge these guys, my experience can come in handy.”
Currently ranked No. 7, Djokovic has been training with former rival Andy Murray, who will coach him through the 2025 Australian Open. Working with Murray, Djokovic said he envisions playing more tournaments in 2025 than he did in 2024.
Prior to bowing to Sinner in the 2024 Australian Open semifinals, Djokovic had captured the Melbourne major in his last five appearances Down Under.
Djokovic owns a 94-9 lifetime record at the Australian Open, his best winning percentage at any major, and will aim to claim a record-extending 25th Grand Slam championship in Melbourne next month.
“So next year I will play more tournaments and the Grand Slams will be my priority,” Djokovic said. “I will give my best to win, of course, if my body allows me to.”
