Djokovic ready to return: "In Doha for title number 100"
Novak Djokovic is ready to return to the court after retiring in the semifinals at the 2025 Australian Open. The Serbian champion, who has fully recovered from the muscle injury suffered in the match against Alcaraz, confirmed his participation in the Doha tournament in an interview given to Vijesti during a stay in Montenegro.
Recovery and return
“The injury is completely healed and I am ready for new successes,” said Djokovic. “The medical staff gave me the green light to train. The Doha tournament starts in seven days and I'm sticking to my schedule. I've had more injuries lately than in the first 15 years of my career: maybe it's due to age, but my body still listens to me and I maintain that inner flame to achieve new goals."
The Australian Open and ambitions
On his retirement in Melbourne, Djokovic maintains a positive attitude: “With the level shown against Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, I believe I would have had a very good chance against Zverev in the semifinals and, if I had been healthy, also against Sinner. The level of tennis achieved in Australia is promising for the rest of the season.”
The immediate objectives are clear: “I hope that title number 100 can arrive in Doha, I've been chasing it since October. As for the 25th Slam, it is a much bigger challenge, but I believe I can achieve it. If I didn't believe I could compete at this level with the best in the world, I wouldn't continue playing.”
The new generation
Speaking of young talents, Djokovic spent words of particular praise for Alcaraz and Sinner, who are developing a new rivalry: “Alcaraz has always shone not only for his tennis and his incredible successes at a young age, but for being a fair and kind tennis player towards everyone. When he loses, he does it with a smile, which is impressive for someone so young. He acts like he's been on the circuit for 10 years.”
The current moment
The Serbian also reflected on his current moment: “I find myself caught between the desire to enjoy what I have achieved, facing matches and tournaments in a more relaxed way, and the winning mentality that I have always been used to, where only the title represents a success. I was surprised to see how many considered the semifinal at the Australian Open a success: maybe it sounds strange, but for me, with everything I've achieved in my career, it's not what I was looking for.”
The passion that continues
On why he continues to play, Djokovic concluded with a profound reflection: “Mainly because I love this sport. Tennis is what makes me grow as a person the most. During a game you go through a million emotions: some beautiful, some terrible. You go through doubts, criticism, ecstasy, anger, pleasure… I feel like I can still inspire the younger generation to pick up a racket. This motivates me, gives me strength. I would like everyone to start playing tennis, but I would be satisfied if they gave any sport a chance, because physical activity is fundamental for health from a young age."
Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic...Doha will be a great appetizer for the sunshine double.