Novak Djokovic has already made a bold commitment for the 2025 season after an underwhelming 2024.
While he won the one title that always evaded him, an Olympic gold medal, Djokovic failed to pick up any more hardware and suffered some early exits at huge tournaments.
But the 37-year-old is keen to challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz consistently throughout the year and he has a plan to get back to his best.
Djokovic has begun to limit his schedule as he gets older. This year alone, he skipped five of the nine Masters 1000 events and ended his season in early October, also pulling out of the ATP Finals.
But the world No. 7 has now committed to playing more frequently in 2025 to boost his chances of lifting more Major titles.
“In 2024 I have played little and, apart from the Olympic gold and the Wimbledon final, it has been my worst season in ten years,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I feel that I can still play at a high level. Sinner and Alcaraz have established themselves as the best in the world without forgetting [Alexander] Zverev. They will be the big candidates for the Grand Slams and other titles.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is keen to put himself among the list of favourites at the big events. He continued: “But physically and mentally, I am ready to play tennis.
“I have the feeling that I can challenge these guys and my experience will be useful to me. Next year I will play more tournaments and the Grand Slams will be my priority. I will give my best to win if my body allows me.”
Djokovic has also taken other drastic measures to improve his chances in 2025 by hiring a familiar face as his new coach. The Serb has been without a full-time head coach since parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic in March.
But Andy Murray will join his camp for the off-season and the Australian Open. The Brit has known Djokovic since they were children, facing off at junior tournaments.
They went on to reach the top of the sport, playing for Slams and the No. 1 ranking on the biggest stages. But, after retiring at the Olympics in summer, Murray has now entered the coaching world and will mentor his biggest rival.
Announcing their partnership, Djokovic said: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach.
“Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.”
Murray added: “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”
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