By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, February 10, 2025
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty
A sudden leg muscle tear may have halted Novak Djokovic‘s Australian Open aspirations, but it certainly hasn’t diminished his pursuit of greatness.
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The legendary Grand Slam champion Djokovic reports he is closing in on being “100 percent recovered” from the left leg muscle injury that led to his retirement in the semifinals of the recent Australian Open.
Now, Djokovic has set his sights on making history in Doha next week, where he aims to clinch his monumental 100th career title.
In a fresh interview with Vijesti, Djokovic expressed his ambitions: “I hope to secure my 100th trophy in Doha.” “
“The medical team has cleared me for training and preparation,” Djokovic shared with Vijesti. “With the tournament in Doha just a week away, I’m committed to my schedule.”
“I’m grateful for my quick recovery. I’ve faced more injuries recently than in the first 15 years of my career, likely due to age, but my body still responds well to me. The fire for new achievements continues to burn bright,” he stated.
The 37-year-old Serbian tennis icon is a two-time defending champion in Doha, having triumphed in both 2016 and 2017.
As a beloved figure in the Middle East, Djokovic is now targeting his 100th career title — which would be his first victory since his thrilling Olympic final win against Carlos Alcaraz, where he secured his first Olympic gold for Serbia.
After losing to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final last July and to Jannik Sinner in the Shanghai final in October, Djokovic is determined to hit the century mark in Doha.
“I’ve been chasing that 100th trophy for a while now, since last October. But it will come when the time is right,” Djokovic remarked. “I have faith it will happen; we’ll see how and when it unfolds.”
Holding the ATP Open Era record for titles is Hall of Famer Jimmy Connors with 109, while the great Roger Federer follows close behind with 103 career titles.
