‘We will see Novak Djokovic fighting for all the Grand Slam titles in 2025’
Novak Djokovic will be “fighting for all the Grand Slam titles” in 2025, according to former world No 8 Jurgen Melzer.
Djokovic won gold at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 but failed to lift a Grand Slam title, making it his first season since 2017 without any major success.
The Serbian fell to world No 7 following a difficult season, which saw him reach the Wimbledon final and Australian Open semi-finals but suffer huge disappointment at the French and US Opens.
The 37-year-old was forced out of his Roland Garros quarter-final due to a meniscus injury, while he was stunned by Alexei Popyrin in the third round in New York.
Djokovic’s 2025 season will begin at the Brisbane International before he heads to Melbourne in his quest to win a record-extending 11th Australian Open title – and 25th major.
In the build-up to action Down Under, the Serbian is working with former rival Andy Murray, in a move that has attracted huge attention and excitement across the wider sporting world.
Speaking to Tennisnet, former French Open semi-finalist Melzer expressed his belief that Djokovic would receive a “motivational boost” from his new coach heading into 2025.
“Novak has to train differently, more intelligently than when he was 30,” said Melzer.
“He can no longer carry the same workload, he has to carefully choose the areas in which he wants to improve.
“A body at his age regenerates at a different speed, that’s why he brought Murray to the team, because he has been through everything in recent years. Andy can be a motivational boost, he can give him new joy from training.
“For Nole, it’s all about the Grand Slams, if he loses at a Masters 1000 it won’t be so dramatic. I think in 2025 we will see him fighting for all the Grand Slam titles.”
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Djokovic’s announcement of his new partnership with Murray comes less than six months after the Brit called time on his career at the Olympic Games.
On court, the pair faced off 36 times, with Djokovic winning 25 matches against one of his most important rivals – including four Australian Open finals at the 2016 French Open final.
Outside of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Murray was arguably the toughest opponent for Djokovic of his career, and the Brit commanded huge praise and admiration across his career.
Murray has long been praised for his tennis brain and Melzer believes that “even a legend like Djokovic” will learn something from the three-time major winner.
He added: “I think it’s an incredible combination, which is extremely good for tennis.
“Apart from the huge headlines he has generated, I think Andy can help Novak a lot – there are very few who have his IQ on the court.
“Even a legend like Djokovic can learn a lot from him, he still has a lot to hear, so now he can discuss a lot of topics with Muray, who can look him straight in the eye.
“That could lead to a very successful partnership.”
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