Djokovic Set to Make Comeback at Australian Open 2024

Vegas Tennis Team
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Djokovic Set to Make Comeback at Australian Open 2024

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, January 27, 2025
Photo credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty

Novak Djokovic  waved farewell to fans as he exited Rod Laver Arena following his retirement from the Australian Open semifinals.

However, the legendary Grand Slam champion hasn’t ruled out a grand return to Melbourne, according to the Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley.

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In a post-event press conference in Melbourne, Tiley reflected on Djokovic’s future at the Australian Open after Jannik Sinner decisively defeated Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 to successfully defend his title.

The 37-year-old Serbian icon unfortunately sustained a muscle tear in his left leg, compelling his retirement just after losing the first set to Zverev, 7-6.

Tiley expressed optimism that the 10-time AO champion will grace Melbourne Park again in 2026.

“There were some speculations regarding Novak [not returning to the AO]—I firmly believe he will be back,” Tiley asserted to the press on Monday. “He left today to be with his family, and his team departed last Friday.

“We will witness Novak’s return, and I can’t wait to reconnect with him in the upcoming weeks.”

When directly asked if his semifinal retirement marked the end of his AO journey, Djokovic stated that he hopes to return in 2026, provided he is in good health, but he acknowledged that this could potentially be his last appearance at Melbourne Park.

“I’m uncertain. There’s a possibility. Who knows?” Djokovic mentioned in his post-match conference. “It will depend on how the season unfolds. I want to keep moving forward.

“However, I’m unsure if I will have a modified schedule for next year. I typically look forward to visiting Australia for my matches since it’s where I’ve achieved significant success. If I’m fit, healthy, and motivated, I see no reason not to return. But there’s always a chance, yes.”

Tournament Director Tiley defended Djokovic’s decision to retire, emphasizing that the 24-time Grand Slam champion did everything imaginable to compete.

“He had a robust warm-up that morning, and his team was confident in his ability to perform,” Tiley noted to the press. “I’ve yet to meet a player who prepares as extensively and focuses as intensely as Novak does; he strives to be on the court at all costs.”




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