Novak Djokovic, 38, says the upcoming Australian Open isn’t “now or never” for his bid to win a record 25th Grand Slam. He is currently tied with Australia’s Margaret Court on 24 major titles after his last win at the 2023 US Open.
Even though he’s shown signs of slowing down in recent years, Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams last year. As a 10-time Australian Open champion with plenty of rest before the season’s first major, many see Melbourne as his best chance to claim the elusive 25th Slam.
“There’s been a lot of talk about the 25th, but I try to focus on what I’ve already achieved, not just what I might achieve,” said Djokovic, seeded fourth at Melbourne Park. “I hope it happens, but 24 is also not a bad number. I need to appreciate that and remember the amazing career I’ve had.”
Djokovic is also trying to ease the pressure he puts on himself to surpass Court. “I don’t think it’s needed to have a make-or-break, now-or-never mindset. That doesn’t help me play my best,” he said, as he aims to become the oldest men’s Grand Slam champion in the Open Era.
He begins his campaign against Spain’s Pedro Martinez on Monday night at Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic remains the last man besides Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner — who are dominating the men’s game with eight of the last eight majors between them — to win a Grand Slam. Last year, Djokovic beat Alcaraz in a memorable quarter-final but had to retire from the semi-final against Germany’s Alexander Zverev due to injury.
“I know that when I’m healthy and everything clicks, I can beat anyone,” Djokovic said. “If I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t be here.”
