Novak Djokovic is unsure if he will play in next year’s Australian Open after his 2025 campaign was halted in the semifinal stage through injury.
Djokovic was pursuing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam during the fortnight and had upset third seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal in four sets.
But the odds were stacked against him to reach his 11th Australian Open final because of fitness concerns. He admitted to sustaining a leg injury in the win over Alcaraz.
Despite an exercise in damage limitation in which Djokovic canceled a practice session on his day off, he was unable to play for more than one set against Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic, playing with a strapping on his upper left leg, lost a marathon 80-minute first set in a tie-break and quit immediately. He was controversially booed as he left the court.
Djokovic is the last surviving member of the Big Four (the quartet that includes, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray) and curious journalists wanted to know if this was the last time Djokovic graced the courts in Melbourne as a player.
Djokovic told reporters, “I don’t know (if he will come back). There is a chance. I just have to see how the season goes. I want to keep going. Will I have a revised schedule for the next year? I’m not sure.”
Djokovic is a 10-time champion at the Australian Open and recently clocked a milestone 50 Grand Slam semifinal appearances. Since his Grand Slam debut back in 2005, Djokovic has only ever missed one edition of the Australian Open. That was during his ill-fated 2022 deportation from the country because of his COVID-19 vaccination status.
The Serbian remains open about the idea of coming back to his happy hunting ground provided he is healthy and motivated, but did not affirm that he will return. Missing next year’s tournament could indicate potential tennis retirement this season.
He said, “I normally like to come to Australia and play. I’ve had the biggest success in my career here. If I am fit, healthy and motivated, I don’t see a reason why I won’t come. But there is always a chance.”
Does that sound like someone looking to hang up his racket for good this year? Not especially. But it does seem at least open to the possibility.
Main Photo Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
