Novak Djokovic is preparing for the Australian Open with his new coach, Andy Murray. Djokovic, 37, recently won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, his only tournament victory in 2024. He aims to improve his game to compete with younger rivals like Jannik Sinner, 23, and Carlos Alcaraz, 21, who won all four Grand Slam tournaments last year.
Djokovic, ranked seventh, began his quest for a 100th ATP title by defeating Australian wild-card entry Rinky Hijikata 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the Brisbane International.He seeks a record 25th Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, a tournament he has already won 10 times. The tournament begins January 12.
Djokovic plans to analyze videos of his top rivals with Murray in the week leading up to the Australian Open. He said he is focusing on small improvements, not a complete transformation.
“I’m not looking to transform my game completely . . . I’m not going to be Giovanni (rising 21-year-old French star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard) serving two first serves and coming into the net,” Djokovic said.
“But I definitely am looking to improve, even if it’s the slightest percentage, every single shot that I have in my game, and maybe something that people don’t necessarily see is this court positioning, the transition play, the tactics.”
He emphasized his commitment to the necessary preparation.
“Physically, mentally, as well and ready to compete, whatever it takes, however many hours it takes with the youngsters,” he said. “The week before Australian Open (we will) do a lot of video analysis of my main opponents, top guys, trying to understand how my game matches up.”
Djokovic jokingly expressed concern about Murray’s current family ski trip and hoped he avoids injury. Murray responded with a video on X showing himself on a small slope, assuring Djokovic he is injury-free.
