Novak Djokovic on how he plans to compete with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at Australian Open – ‘Whatever it takes’

Novak Djokovic’s 2025 season has begun in Brisbane, the Serbian playing in both the singles and doubles as he tries to get himself into some form before looking for a record 11th singles title in Melbourne when the Australian Open gets under way.

But things are more serious in the singles – Djokovic handing Rinky Hijikata a 6-3 6-3 defeat as he goes looking for a first title of 2025, with Gael Monfils next up.

The Serbian spoke to the press after that victory, with many wanting to know exactly how, at 37 years old, he is going to summon the mental and physical strength to take on his much younger rivals in Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

“I mean, I’m not going to be Giovanni [Mpetshi Perricard]serving two first serves and coming in to the net, but I definitely am looking to improve, even if it’s the slightest percentage. Every single shot that I have in my game, and maybe something that people don’t necessarily see, is this court positioning, the transition play, the tactics.”

The fact Djokovic is still willing to dive into the minute details of his game, despite winning a record-equalling 24 Grand Slam titles, speaks volumes of how much he wants that 25th major title.

Last season saw the highs of finally winning gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but the Grand Slams did not go to plan for the Serbian, who failed to lift a single major title for the first time since 2017.

Chasing after the likes of Alcaraz and Sinner won’t be easy – but one thing Djokovic does have compared to his rivals is plenty of experience.

“[I’m] just focusing mostly on myself, really, how I can be better physically, game-wise, mentally, as well. And ready to compete, whatever it takes, however many hours it takes with the youngsters,” he added.

“And then, of course, you know, I think in the upcoming weeks, we will also, particularly the week before Australian Open, do a lot of video analysis of my main opponents, top guys, trying to understand how my game matches up against theirs and what I have done in the past well, what I can improve.

“So there is quite a bit of analytics in there, and I am that kind of person. I like to go into details.”

Djokovic also has the experience of Andy Murray to call on, his new coach flying to Melbourne as soon as a family skiing holiday concludes. The long-term rivals have already spent some time together, with Murray set to provide some different insights from the player’s box as opposed the court in 2025.

“You know, we’ve been rivals for 20-plus years and always kind of kept secrets from each other, the way we practised, the way we prepared, the way we approached the matches. Never wanted to show weakness to your main opponents, your rivals,” Djokovic said.

“But now it’s different. You know, we spent eight-nine days together and shared a lot of information even before we met, and then together for those eight-nine days was really great, quality time on and off the court, getting to know each other I think on a different level we haven’t had a chance to have in the past 20 years.

“So to have a legend of the game, someone that is known to be as intelligent a tennis player as there is out there, it’s a great honour, great pleasure for me.

“I love talking to him about the nuances, the details, how I can improve my game, how I can, yeah, gain an inch, court positioning compared to my opponent, and every bit of percentage counts at the highest level.

“So, what I have been getting from him already, you know, is really positive. But, you know, we haven’t spent too many days on the court together, so I look forward to having him in Melbourne.”