Djokovic: "The level I reached in Australia is promising for the rest of the year"

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Novak Djokovic is more than ready to return to competition. The Serbian has enjoyed days of rest after his withdrawal in the semi-finals of the 2025 Australian Open, recovering at home with his family and following an exhaustive recovery program to overcome the injury he experienced in the quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz. He took the opportunity to visit Montenegro, a country with which he has family ties, and granted an interesting interview to Vijesti, confirming his presence at the 2025 ATP Doha (assuming the return to training goes smoothly) and reflecting on his performance in Melbourne and what the near future may hold.

- Fully recovered from his injury: return in Doha

"There is no longer a muscle tear, the injury is almost 100% healed, and I am ready to seek new triumphs. The medical team has given me the green light to train and prepare. The Doha tournament starts in seven days, so I am sticking to my plan. Thank God I was able to recover quickly. I've had more injuries lately than in my first 15 years of my career: it may be due to age, but my body still listens to me, and I still have that inner fire to achieve new goals."

- Could you have won the Australian Open?

"I always give myself opportunities, I cannot deny it. I am optimistic every time I face someone, and that's what has led me to great heights in sports. With the type of game I showed in the victory in the quarterfinals against Alcaraz, I believe I would have had a great chance against Zverev in the semifinals and, if I had stayed healthy, also against Sinner... but well, it's a shame to have to deal with these scenarios, with what could have happened. The level of tennis I reached in Australia is promising for the rest of the season."

"Last year was a bit turbulent: I won the Olympic medal, something I had desired for a long time and was my main goal; I played the Wimbledon final, but with many ups and downs after an injury. I did not have the continuity at the highest level throughout the year. This season I was looking to start with a satisfactory level of tennis, and I think I achieved it. It could have been better, yes, but my performance in Melbourne gives me an incentive before returning to the circuit."

- The pursuit of the 100th title and the 25th Grand Slam title

"I hope the 100th title can come in Doha, I've been looking for it for a long time, since last October. As for the 25th Grand Slam, it is a much greater challenge, one that requires greater difficulty, but I believe I can achieve it: if I didn't believe I could compete at this level against the best players in the world, I would not continue competing. I think I showed with my victory over Alcaraz in the Australian Open that I can still compete for major titles."

- What stage of your career are you in, mentally and psychologically?

"Right now, I would say I am in between my desire and the need to enjoy everything I have achieved and tackle matches and tournaments somewhat more relaxed, and on the other hand, the mentality of winning and thinking that only the title leads to success, that is, the mentality I have always been accustomed to. In a way, I got used to that, which maybe is a good 'problem' at this moment in my life and my career. Let's say I was a bit surprised by how many people saw my semifinals at the Australian Open as a success: it may sound a bit stupid, but for me, when someone reaches the semifinals, considering everything I have achieved in my career, even if it is a success, it is not what I was looking for and what would give me satisfaction."

"These are the emotions and thoughts that are still in my head, but the most important thing is that I still have passion and devotion for the sport and competition, and I am very grateful for the support I receive, not only in Serbia and the entire region, but around the world. It is the people and their support that give me encouragement to continue competing and achieve new victories."

- The new generation: who has the charisma that the Big Three had?

"We have Alcaraz and Sinner, who are developing a new rivalry. Nadal, Federer, and myself, along with Murray, whom I must include here, dominated tennis in the last 15 or 20 years, raising the standard to very high levels, not only in terms of results but in other aspects that a champion and world number one should have: how to play the role of ambassador and leader in the sport, for example. In terms of charisma, Alcaraz has always stood out, not only for his tennis and his incredible successes at such a young age but for being a fair and kind tennis player with everyone. When he loses, he does it with a smile, which I find impressive for someone so young and with less experience."

"Alcaraz behaves as if he has been on the circuit for 10 years or more. I think this is due to great education, the environment he is in, his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, a Grand Slam champion who has taught him from a very young age what it means to be an athlete, not only in the competitive aspect but also in learning what the values of sports are, how you can be a guide for younger generations."

- Why do you still play tennis?

"Mainly because I love this sport, I love sports. Besides, I believe tennis is what makes me grow the most as a person. As strange as it may sound, during a match, you go through a million emotions: some are precious, some are the worst. You go through doubts, criticism, ecstasy, anger, frustration, pleasure... in those hours, sometimes I am ashamed of what I can do and how I behave, and on the other hand, I am proud that I can go through all that in the most human and sportsmanlike way possible, shaking hands with the opponent at the end of the match regardless of whether I lost or won. I think those are the values of sports, the reason why people identify with the players, especially in an individual sport, where you first have to win yourself before beating the opponent."

"Plus, I feel I can continue to inspire the younger generation to pick up a racket. That motivates me, gives me strength. I would love for everyone to start playing tennis, but I would be satisfied if they give a chance to any sport, whether it involves a ball or not, because physical activity is key to health and everything, from a very young age."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic: "El nivel que alcancé en Australia es prometedor para el resto del año"