Djokovic Declares Intent to Compete for Years as New Stars Rise in Tennis World
Novak Djokovic affirmed his commitment to the sport, stating he plans to continue playing for “years to come.” With an eye on the future, the 37-year-old tennis titan has increased his tournament schedule for 2025, aiming to reclaim his position atop the game as he faces off against a new generation of stars led by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Last season proved challenging for Djokovic, who, by his lofty standards, had a disappointing campaign. The 24-time Grand Slam champion failed to secure a single Grand Slam title and captured only one tournament victory—the Olympic gold in Paris. As a result, he has slipped to No. 7 in the world rankings. However, Djokovic is determined to restore his standing, expressing his desire to return to “where it should be.”
“I’m looking for a good start to the season, and I’m aiming for more consistency across all the tournaments,” Djokovic shared as he prepared for the Brisbane International this week. “I want to play more tournaments this year than I did last season, so I hope my level will rise accordingly.”
With the recent retirements of fellow legends Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, Djokovic embarks on a new chapter in his career, one where he is the lone survivor of the so-called “Big Four.” The absence of these iconic players has opened the door for rising stars like Sinner and Alcaraz, who are rapidly establishing themselves as the new kings of Grand Slam tennis.
Despite facing younger competitors, Djokovic remains undeterred. He has set his sights on capturing an 11th Australian Open title next month and is eager to secure a record 25th Grand Slam crown. “The way I’m feeling today, I still think that I can go strong for years to come,” he stated, adding, “But how long I’m going to feel motivated to keep going is unpredictable.”
With his passion for the sport still burning bright, Djokovic is ready to tackle the challenges ahead. He is set to begin his campaign against Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata, marking his first official tournament since his loss to Sinner in the final of the 2024 Shanghai Masters in October. Additionally, Djokovic will team up with Nick Kyrgios in doubles, as the Australian makes a competitive return after a long injury layoff.
