Jim Courier makes feelings known on Novak Djokovic’s doubt about returning to Australian Open next year
Novak Djokovic is unsure whether he will be back in Melbourne next year to chase his 11th title at the Australian Open.
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Jim Courier, Novak Djokovic (Images via Daily Express/X)
Jim Courier doesn’t think Novak Djokovic will retire after the end of this season. The Serb, following his Australian Open exit, had said that he may not play at the Melbourne Slam next year if he struggles with fitness problems.
At the 2025 Australian Open, Nole was inching closer to his goal, but a muscle tear during his semifinal match against second seed Alexander Zverev forced him to withdraw. As Djokovic expressed his doubt over his participation in next year’s Australian Open to chase his 11th title, Courier said he was convinced that the Serb will be back.
I don’t think so. I think he will be back. What he was talking about in the press conference about how he doesn’t know…is more a reference of he doesn’t know what his body is going to be doing a year from now.
Jim Courier told Tennis Channel
Djokovic is in the twilight of his career and one of his major goals before retirement is to clinch his 25th Grand Slam title as winning the trophy will make him the player with the most majors in the history of tennis. But one of the reasons that’s hindering him from reaching that goal is injuries.
I think his heart and his passion was there this tournament until the injury came. That was also one thing that was a little bit off for him in that set… was that he didn’t have the passion. It looked like he was really guarding and that was worrisome so and eventually…obviously; it was too much for him to carry on.
Jim Courier added
Tried to recover for today’s match but I could only push so far. Nevertheless, positives to take out of this year’s Aus Open. Congratulations to @AlexZverev for making another GS final. I wish you to win the title because you deserve it, my friend 💪🙌 pic.twitter.com/BZPyQqPk6R
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 24, 2025
Novak Djokovic’s next tournament is Qatar Open
Following the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic would have participated in the Davis Cup, but Serbia’s captain Viktor Troicki released the names of the players who will be traveling to Copenhagen to lock horns with Denmark. Djokovic’s name was not on the list.
But the 24-time Grand Slam champion, if he recovers, could play in the Qatar Open, which is scheduled to start on February 19.
I still have Doha tournament in few weeks’ time that is scheduled. Whether I’m going to play it or not, it really does depend on how quickly I recover. But I had success with quick recoveries in the past.
Novak Djokovic said at the press conference
Djokovic won the Qatar Open in 2016 and 2017, and last played in the tournament in 2018. If he participates, he will be making his fifth appearance in Doha.
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