Novak Djokovic still maintains his familiar humor when talking about the fierce competition with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner - two players who prevented him from conquering more Grand Slam titles in the past 2 years.
I have lost three out of four Grand Slams in 2025 to Sinner or Alcaraz. We don't need to praise them anymore. They have been praised enough. Everyone knows how good they are, and they are completely worthy of their current position. They are the dominant forces in men's tennis" - Djokovic said before the Australian Open.
Turning 38, Djokovic is preparing to enter his third season in the journey to conquer his 25th men's singles Grand Slam title - a milestone that could help him surpass the record in tennis history.
The 24- Grand Slam champion said he has adjusted his approach to the Australian Open, even withdrawing from the only warm-up tournament because he feels he "lacks a little fitness" to compete continuously with the younger generation in the final stage of major tournaments.
Djokovic once found a way to surpass Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to form the famous "Big Three". Now, he has to face a generation of successors full of speed and youth.
Djokovic's most recent Grand Slam title came at the US Open 2023. Since then, Sinner and Alcaraz have shared all eight major titles. The Italian tennis player has won the Australian Open for two consecutive years, while Alcaraz aims to win the championship in Melbourne to complete his career Grand Slam collection.
Despite continuously being tormented by injuries, Djokovic still reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments last year. He was once forced to retire in the Australian Open semi-finals due to a torn hamstring, after eliminating mainly Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
I always remind myself that 24 is not a bad number. I try to put aside the thought of now or never, because it makes me unable to play to my ability.
Sinner and Alcaraz are at a different level from the rest, that's the truth. But that doesn't mean that others don't have a chance. I always believe in myself, especially here" - Djokovic shared.
Djokovic - the 10-time Australian Open champion - will play next Monday evening at Rod Laver Arena, against world No. 71 player Pedro Martinez. As the 4th seed, he is in the same bracket as the 1st seed Alcaraz and can only face the Spanish opponent in the semi-finals.
