The task of winning majors is not getting any easier for the Serbian, who failed to get his hands one of the four prestigious trophies in 2024.

The Australian Open‘s defending champion Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have positioned themselves as the Grand Slam favourites after splitting the four tournaments between them last year.

But Djokovic is embracing the challenges and Connors expects the former World number one to have a strong run Down Under.

Jimmy Connors assesses Novak Djokovic’s chances at the 2025 Australian Open

For the first time in several years Novak Djokovic is not going into the Australian Open as the clear favourite.

Beating Alcaraz and Sinner in a best-of-five match is going to be tricky for the Serbian, but if anyone can rise to that challenge it is the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Connors believes Djokovic still has the motivation to succeed at the highest level and stressed the view that he can never be counted out.

“Everybody is almost pushing Djokovic aside at the minute. It’s Alcaraz and Sinner,” the eight-time grand Slam winner said on his ‘Advantage Connors’ podcast. “Maybe they are looking at some of these other young guys. I don’t know if I am ready to toss him to one side yet.

“Obviously he feels comfortable down there and if he goes in and feels that his game is in order and he’s ready to play physically and mentally I am not ready to toss him to one side just yet.

“I think a lot of guys are saying he’s 37 and his time is over. Someone along the line there is someone in there saying you have one more in you. I know that feeling.”

Who is Novak Djokovic facing in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open?

Djokovic will start his quest for an 11th Australian Open title against teenager Nishesh Basavareddy.

The 19-year-old is in good form after qualifying for the ASB Classic and reaching the semi-finals.

After beating Alex Michelsen to reach the last four, Basavareddy said: “It means a lot. This is one of my first ATP Tour events and to make a deep run gives me a lot of confidence going forward.”

His rise towards the end of 2024, which included an appearance at the Next Gen ATP Finals, in addition to his start to 20 has earned him a wildcard for the Australian Open.

Basavareddy’s reward is a tournament debut against its most successful player, a match he will certainly be looking forward to playing in.

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