Novak Djokovic begins another Australian Open campaign with history firmly within reach. At 38, the Serbian icon stands tied on 24 Grand Slam singles titles — and Melbourne, where he has already triumphed ten times, is widely regarded as his strongest opportunity to move clear with a record-breaking 25th crown.
Yet rather than framing this tournament as a final chance, Djokovic has chosen reflection over pressure. “I hope it comes to that,” he said, “but 24 is also not a bad number.” For a player who has dominated across eras, perspective now sits alongside ambition.
Still Among the Elite at 38
Although age has inevitably altered the physical equation, Djokovic’s competitive relevance remains unquestionable. In 2025, he became the first man in history to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments at the age of 38, underlining both durability and consistency in a field increasingly shaped by younger rivals.
His Australian Open record, however, remains unmatched. Melbourne’s hard courts continue to suit his movement, timing and return game, while the environment has long felt like an extension of his sporting identity. Entering this year’s tournament as the fourth seed, he opens against Spain’s Pedro Martinez with the confidence that history and form are still firmly on his side.
The New Order: Alcaraz and Sinner
Men’s tennis is now defined by the brilliance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have shared the last eight major titles between them. Their athleticism, pace and shot-making have reshaped expectations at the top of the game, establishing a new standard for championship tennis.
Djokovic does not dispute their dominance. “They’re playing at a different level right now,” he admitted, “that’s a fact.” Yet belief remains central to his mindset. “When I’m healthy and able to put all the pieces together, I feel like I can beat anybody.” It is a conviction forged through decades of success rather than nostalgia.
Why Melbourne Remains His Best Shot
There is broad agreement across the sport that the Australian Open represents Djokovic’s clearest path to a 25th Grand Slam title. His ten trophies in Melbourne, combined with favourable conditions and extended recovery time heading into the season, make this tournament uniquely suited to his strengths.
Last year’s campaign demonstrated both his resilience and vulnerability. After producing a memorable quarter-final victory over Alcaraz, he suffered an injury that forced retirement in the semi-finals against Alexander Zverev. This time, he arrives refreshed, carefully prepared and determined to give himself another genuine chance.
Off-Court Shift: Stepping Away from the PTPA
Away from competition, Djokovic has recently distanced himself from the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), the organisation he co-founded in 2020. While his belief in change remains firm, he cited ongoing concerns regarding transparency and governance as reasons for his complete exit.
Specifically, Djokovic expressed disagreement with the direction of the recent antitrust lawsuit filed by the association against tennis’ governing bodies. Although he famously did not sign as a plaintiff, he admitted to finding some of the legal wording “too strong” and felt his name was being overused in association communications. “I still have the opinion that the system is failing us,” he said, but maintained that his values are no longer aligned with the current leadership.
Legacy, Longevity and the Meaning of 25
Djokovic’s Olympic gold medal in Paris in 2024, where he defeated Alcaraz in the final, confirmed his ability to prevail in the sport’s biggest moments. If he triumphs in Melbourne this fortnight, he will finally eclipse the 54-year-old record held by Ken Rosewall, who became the oldest Grand Slam men’s champion in the Open Era at the 1972 Australian Open, aged 37.
A 25th major title would not simply extend a record; it would redefine longevity in men’s tennis and place his achievements in an entirely new historical category. Still, Djokovic approaches this pursuit without desperation. Experience has taught him that performance thrives on belief rather than pressure.
Whether or not the record falls this fortnight, Novak Djokovic remains exactly where elite sport reserves its highest respect — among those who continue to compete not for relevance, but for greatness itself.
