Can Novak Djokovic stop Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner? Even the winner of 24 grand slams has his doubts

But for Djokovic, it’s not about talent; whether his body can withstand five-set matches in a two-week tournament.

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Injuries have become a recurring problem for the Serbian footballer, who recently had to withdraw from the Adelaide International because he was not “physically ready”.

This means that Djokovic, who ends the 2025 season in November, will enter the first slam match of the season without taking any matches.

There were reports that Djokovic was suffering from neck pain after interrupting his training earlier in the week, but he said things were very good so far at Melbourne Park, where the tournament kicks off on Sunday.

“You know, I took some time off and obviously spent more time rebuilding my body, because I understand that the thing that’s changed the most for me in the last couple of years is that it takes more time to rebuild, and it also takes more time to reset or recover,” he said.

“Unfortunately I had a little setback that prevented me from competing in the Adelaide tournament so I didn’t get there physically but it’s going very well here so far.”

“Obviously, things happen every day here and there for me, and I think for each of us, but overall I feel good and I’m looking forward to racing.”

Djokovic was forced to bow out of the 2025 Australian Open after tearing his hamstring following an epic 81-minute first set against Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.

It was a disappointing result for the 10-time Australian Open champion, who defeated Alcaraz in the quarter-finals two days ago and is still chasing his 25th major title.

But Djokovic said the pursuit of grand slam No. 25 is not what keeps him going and he would probably rather focus on what he has achieved rather than what lies ahead.

“So I hope it gets to that point, but 24 isn’t a bad number either,” he said. “I have to appreciate that and remind myself of the amazing career I have had.

“And also, you know, let go of some of that unnecessary pressure. I mean, obviously there’s always pressure and expectations, but I don’t think it’s necessary for me to really go forward in terms of a make it or break it kind of thing, you know, it’s a now or never kind of mentality.”

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“I don’t think it’s necessary. That doesn’t allow me to improve myself and do my best… I know that when I’m healthy, when I put all the pieces of the puzzle together on a given day, I feel like I can beat anybody. If I didn’t believe in myself and have that confidence in myself, I definitely wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you or competing.”

“I’m still motivated and of course I understand that Sinner and Alcaraz are playing at a different level than everyone else right now. That’s a fact, but that doesn’t mean no one else has a chance. That’s why I always like my chances in every tournament, especially here.”

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