Novak Djokovic opened up about the perspective change he has adapted in recent times ahead of the start of the Australian Open 2026 as the Serbian legend goes in search of his 25th Grand Slam title.
The
24-time Major winner, a record he shares with none other than the iconic Margaret Court, last won a Grand Slam event at the US Open in 2023 and he revealed that he has sought to lift the pressure off himself ahead of the AO.
Since his last major triumph, Sinner and Alcaraz have split the eight Grand Slams, but the 38-year-old Serbian managed to reach the semis of all four Grand Slam events last year.
Djokovic revealed that he seeks to deal with the 25-Major hoodoo by reminding himself of the exemplary feats he has already scaled in the sport he loves and that he isn’t piling too much pressure on himself.
“Sinner and Alcaraz are playing on a different level right now from everybody else. That’s a fact,” Djokovic said.
“But that doesn’t mean that nobody else has a chance. So I like my chances always, in any tournament, particularly here.”
The 10-time AO winner Djokovic, who hasn’t played an official tournament since November, will begin his quest for a record-extending 11th crown in Melbourne with his fixture against Pedro Martinez of Spain at the Rod Laver Area on Monday.
“Obviously, it took more time to rebuild my body, because I understand that in the last couple of years, that’s what changed the most for me — it takes more time to rebuild, and it also takes more time to reset or recover,” he said.
“I had a little setback that prevented me from competing at the Adelaide tournament … but it’s been going very well so far here.”
He added that he does sustain niggles, but is largely fit enough to look forward to the Happy Slam to begin the year.
