Former British No.1 Slams Critics for Accusing Novak Djokovic of Being ‘Agitator’
Novak Djokovic, who finished the 2025 season with two ATP 250 titles, will bid for his 25th Major title at the Australian Open.
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Novak Djokovic (Image via ATP/X)
Novak Djokovic has delayed his return to the tour in 2026 as he withdrew from the Adelaide International. This means the Serb will start his campaign for the 2026 season at the Australian Open to chase the 25th Grand Slam title, which has eluded him since winning the 2023 US Open.
Despite his age, former British No.1 Greg Rusedski, just like many others from the tennis world, is not ready to write off the 38-year-old in Melbourne, where he will also be bidding to win his career’s 11th tournament title, last winning it in 2023. Throughout his career, Djokovic has often been accused of being an agitator thanks to certain decisions he made regarding his personal and professional life. In spite of dealing with criticism, Nole managed to stay true to his beliefs, for which he received high praise from Rusedski.
I don’t think he’s an agitator. I think he stands by his morals and his beliefs, and you have to admire that. Look at COVID. He refused to take the jab and basically stood his ground throughout, and you have to applaud him for the way he handled that situation. He could have cowered early on, but he stuck to what he believes, and that’s why he’s such a great champion.
Greg Rusedski said on his Off Court with Greg podcast
In the previous two Australian Opens, Djokovic suffered defeats in the semifinals: to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in 2024, while an injury forced him to give the walkover to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev last year.
Nutrition, fitness, not leaving any stone unturned. I always like a little bit of chocolate and too much caffeine, but Novak doesn’t allow himself anything. He is obsessive about perfection, doing whatever it takes. He is always trying to find solutions. Is the age thing against him? Of course it is, but I can’t wait to see what happens in Australia. You can never discount great champions.
Greg Rusedski added
The Australian Open starts on January 18. Sinner will enter the event as the defending champion, and another win will make him only the second player, after Djokovic, to complete the three-peat in the Open Era.
Patrick Mouratoglou is not concerned about Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam campaigns
Serena Williams‘ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, highlighted Novak Djokovic‘s Grand Slam runs in 2025 to explain why he is not worried about the 24-time Major champion. Last year, Djokovic made the semifinals of all four Grand Slam events.
Following the Australian Open, which was marred by his hamstring injury, Djokovic suffered straight-set defeats to Jannik Sinner at the French Open and Wimbledon. Later, eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz knocked him out in straight sets at the US Open.
You have to remember that it’s a five-set event and at his age, it’s even more difficult to win a Grand Slam, of course, because of Sinner and Alcaraz, but also because it’s challenging on the physical side. He needs to be fully ready to play seven matches, potentially in five sets. And another reason not to worry about Novak. Last year, he made the semifinals of the four Grand Slams at 38 years old.
Patrick Mouratoglou said on Instagram
The 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal is the last Big Title that Djokovic won. Last year, he made the Miami Open final but failed to finish the match in favor, losing to Jakub Mensik.
Nonetheless, the Serb great ended the season with two ATP 250 titles, which he clinched at the Geneva Open and in the first edition of the Hellenic Championship. Since winning his 24th Major at the 2023 US Open, Djokovic has made just one Grand Slam final (at the 2024 Wimbledon, where he registered a straight-set defeat to Alcaraz).
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