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Novak Djokovic will start his 20th campaign at the Australian Open in a few days' time. He will also look to join Roger Federer as the second player to win 100 men's singles matches in Melbourne.
The former World No. 1 suffered a loss against eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinal last year, so he would have a score to settle at his favorite hunting ground.
The 10-time Australian Open champion is scheduled to play exhibition matches at the Rod Laver Arena on January 9. Djokovic had also played Nick Kyrgios in an exhibition match last year, before taking on former Australian captain Steven Smith in a game of cricket.
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An 11th Australian Open title would level Djokovic with Margaret Court, who won more than half of her titles before the Open Era began. Djokovic could also break Court's record of winning 24 Grand Slams if he triumphs at the Melbourne Slam.
The 37-year-old has not lost in the first round of Australian Open since 2006, so he would be hoping for a winning start again. He is expected to begin his campaign on January 12 or 13th.
Novak Djokovic heads into Australian Open with disappointing Brisbane result
Novak Djokovic had a good start to the 2025 season as he won his first two matches in Brisbane in straight sets. He defeated Rinky Hijikata and Gael Monfils with an identical scoreline 6-3, 6-3.
However, he suffered a disappointing loss against Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals 6-7(6), 3-6. It was his first loss against a player ranked as low as World No. 293, since 2010.
Djokovic will be the seventh seed at the 2025 Australian Open, so he would also hope to have a good draw. In a worst case scenario, he could be in the same half as World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, which would mean that he might have to beat both of them to reach the final.
The Serb has also expressed his wish to win at least one more Australian Open title before he retires. He last lifted the trophy in 2023, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.
There is always extra motivation for Novak Djokovic in Melbourne, especially after he was deported in 2022, but still came back the following year and won the title.
