Novak Djokovic will begin his 2025 season in the Brisbane International, where he will try to win his 11th Australian Open championship, according to an announcement made Wednesday. The Serbian superstar is now coached by Andy Murray. His 37th birthday is targeting a record fifth Grand Open title after missing to add to his current number during a dismal 2024, while he did win Olympiad singles gold in Paris. The ATP-WTA occasion runs from Christmas Eve to January 5, as the Australian Open begins on the eleventh of January.
“I’m ecstatic to be kicking off that Australian move at the Brisbane International and to participate again at Pat Rafter Arena,” Djokovic told ESPN. I am forward to experiencing the wonderful support of the Australian fans and making this event one to remember.”
If he wins, he will become only the third man in the Open era to win 100 titles, after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103). Djokovic was defeated in the Australian Open semi-finals this year by eventual champion Jannik Sinner, and his failure to win another major leaves him tied with Margaret Court for a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
In an attempt to outperform her in Melbourne, he has partnered with long-time adversary and now-retired Murray. The Brisbane tournament will also mark the comeback to professional tennis of Australian Nick Kyrgios, who has only played one ATP Tour singles match in two years due to knee, foot, and wrist problems.
Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, Frances Tiafoe, and Matteo Berrettini are among the men’s players who have begun their seasons in Brisbane. Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open women’s champion and world number one, had earlier confirmed that she would also begin her season at the Queensland Tennis Centre. Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, and Daria Kasatkina will all compete, as will Victoria Azarenka, the past Brisbane champion.
Several other players, including women’s world number two Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jasmine Paolini, have chosen to begin their season at the mixed-teams United Cup in Sydney and Perth. Alexander Zverev, the world’s number two, and Taylor Fritz, the fourth-ranked player, have also signed up for the United Cup.