The Australian Open is just around the corner, representing another chance at Grand Slam glory for Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic has won the Australian Open 10 times, more than any other ATP player, with his 24 Grand Slam titles topping the list too.
It is, however, Jannik Sinner who has been the player to beat in Melbourne in recent times, winning the last two titles.
The Italian beat Daniil Medvedev for his first success in 2024, and repeated those heroics against Alexander Zverev in 2025.
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Carlos Alcaraz could be Novak Djokovic’s biggest threat at the Australian Open
Sinner is, however, behind Carlos Alcaraz in the 2025 year-end ATP rankings, which should give the Spaniard plenty of confidence for Melbourne.
And that is one of the factors behind the Spaniard representing a major threat at the hard-court Grand Slam.
Sinner has proven near unstoppable on the surface in general lately, but Alcaraz is no slouch on hard courts.
Most importantly, however, the Australian Open represents the only Grand Slam that the Spanish star is yet to win.
That should provide him with more than enough motivation to really push for the title in 2026, which would see Alcaraz complete the career Grand Slam.
If more motivation were needed, his fierce rival Sinner needs only the French Open to achieve the stunning feat.
Alcaraz could also have a new coach for the event after his split with Juan Carlos Ferrero, with progressing beyond the Australian Open quarterfinals for the first time ever certain to be a big priority for the team.
Intriguingly, providing further inspiration for Alcaraz, it was the Serbian who knocked him out of the event in 2025.
And while he’s definitely slowing down, Djokovic has reached the semifinals in the last two seasons, having lifted the trophy in 2023.
Why Novak Djokovic can win the Australian Open
It will be a real challenge, but yet another Australian Open victory for Djokovic is on the cards in Melbourne.
Firstly, his history at the tournament speaks for itself, with 10 titles certain to give him plenty of confidence for another one.
Secondly, Djokovic has hired Mark Kovacs ahead of the Australian Open, showing he’s clearly not keen on slowing down despite approaching his 39th birthday.
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Thirdly, Djokovic highlighted rest and recovery as key to his success at the event once upon a time, and unlike many others, he has been lying low in the off-season.
And finally, it’s clear that the veteran is at this stage of his career prioritising one more Grand Slam success.
He has the luxury of being able to pick and choose his events, and the Australian Open clearly represents his best chance of a record 25th title.
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