Novak Djokovic is preparing for a big year on the ATP Tour in 2025, as he looks to take home a record-extending 25th Major title.
In a career that has seen the Serb produce incredible year after incredible year, 2024 was a slight let-down by Djokovic’s high standards.
The 37-year-old failed to win a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017, as he struggled to maintain consistency on the ATP Tour.
Djokovic did win Olympic Gold earlier this year, as he took down Carlos Alcaraz in the final, getting revenge for his defeat at Wimbledon the month prior.
He’ll be looking to improve in 2025 and has already made a big step towards doing so, as Djokovic recently hired Andy Murray as a coach ahead of the Australian Open.
Looking for big things in the new year, the Serb still had the time to fulfill one last wish from his retiring friend.
John Isner says Novak Djokovic ‘doesn’t get enough credit’ after playing Juan Martin del Potro in his farewell match
Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, former Miami Open champion John Isner, gave his thoughts on Djokovic playing Juan Martin del Potro in his final-ever match.
“What a gesture by Novak [Djokovic],” he said.
“It’s absolutely incredible, the guy does not get enough credit.
“We know how good of a dude he is but to fly from Europe all the way to Argentina.
“I’m sure the travel was easier than most but to do that for his good friend Del Po and let him have the send off that his career deserves was absolutely amazing.”
Isner thinks that the Argentine wouldn’t have wanted to end his career against anyone else, and says that speaks to Djokovic’s relationship with his fellow players on tour.
“I don’t think Del Po would have wanted his final match against anyone else so to have that against Novak [Djokovic] just goes to show the bond that those two have and the bond that Novak has with so many players on tour,” he said.
“So many of the really, really good players on tour.
“Del Po being one of those.”
Del Potro waved goodbye to tennis recently, having struggled with several serious injuries in recent seasons.
The Argentine won the US Open back in 2009, and reached a further Slam final at Flushing Meadows, losing out to Djokovic in 2018.
Is Novak Djokovic the favorite for the 2025 Australian Open?
Very rarely have tennis fans considered anyone other than Djokovic to be favorite for the title in Melbourne.
His dominance in Australia may not quite rival that of Rafael Nadal’s at Roland Garros, but ten titles in 19 appearances is still mighty impressive.
The invincibility began to crack this year, however, as Jannik Sinner beat Djokovic to advance to the final, snapping the Serb’s 33-match winning streak at the event.
The Italian went on to take home the title, as he beat Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in five sets, before adding to his Major tally at the US Open this September.
Currently ranked number one in the world, it seems fair to say that the 23-year-old is one of the heavy favorites to take home the Australian Open title.
It won’t just be Sinner that Djokovic has to contend with, however, as Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz all had strong years in 2024 and will be looking to get their hands on the title for the first time.
Djokovic will hope that his experience can overpower the form of his younger rivals, as he looks to take home an 11th title in Australia.
The Serb will begin his preparations for the first Major of the season at the Brisbane International which begins on December 30.
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