By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, December 2, 2024
Photo: Rolex Paris Masters Facebook
Jannik the Sinner AND Carlos Alcaraz share the spoils of the Grand Slam this season.
The King of the Grand Slam Novak Djokovic says he’s ready to challenge those reigning champions for Slam silver.
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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 win the Olympic gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympics.
In an interview for the Italian publication Gazzetta dello SportDjokovic said he sees Sinner, Alcaraz and French Open finalist Alexander Zverev as the top three contenders for the 2025 Grand Slams and he believes he can beat them all.
“I feel I can still play at the highest level,” Djokovic said 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 prime candidates to win Slams and other titles. However, physically and mentally I’m ready to play my tennis again and I have the feeling that I can challenge these guys, my experience can be useful.”
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 anticipates playing more tournaments in 2025 than in 2024.
Before bowing out to Sinner in the 2024 Australian Open semi-finals, Djokovic had caught the Melbourne champion in his last five appearances Down Under.
Djokovic owns a lifetime record of 94-9 at the Australian Open, his best winning percentage at any major, and will aim to claim a record 25th Grand Slam title 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.”
