Despite a rocky 2024 season, Novak Djokovic is far from being written off by his peers. World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz believes the 10-time Australian Open champion can return to Grand Slam glory at the 2025 Australian Open, but only if he still possesses the “hunger” to dominate the sport.
A Rare Titleless Year
The 37-year-old Djokovic has had an uncharacteristic dry spell on the ATP Tour, finishing 2024 without a single tour-level title—a first in over two decades of his illustrious career. His only success came on the Olympic stage, where he claimed the elusive gold medal by defeating none other than Alcaraz in the final in Paris. However, his struggles on the ATP Tour have sparked debate over whether Djokovic’s dominance is truly fading.
Djokovic reached the finals at Wimbledon and the Shanghai Masters, only to fall short against Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, respectively. His decision to withdraw from the Paris Masters and ATP Finals in Turin—two events he triumphed in last year—further cemented the notion of a transitional year for the Serbian legend.
Alcaraz’s Bold Prediction
However, Carlos Alcaraz, who knows firsthand the difficulty of beating Djokovic in high-stakes matches, is not ready to count him out. Speaking about Djokovic’s prospects, Alcaraz emphasized the Serbian’s mental strength and legendary drive.
“If Novak Djokovic is hungry enough, he can absolutely win the 2025 Australian Open,” Alcaraz said. “We’ve all seen what he’s capable of when he’s motivated and focused. His record in Melbourne speaks for itself.”
Indeed, Djokovic remains the undisputed king of the Australian Open, with a record 10 titles to his name. His withdrawal from recent tournaments appears to align with his publicly stated focus on Grand Slams and national events moving forward.
Alcaraz’s 2024 Struggles and Goals
While Djokovic’s year was defined by setbacks, Alcaraz had his share of highs and lows. The Spaniard captured four titles in 2024, including two Grand Slams, but faltered in indoor tournaments. His ATP Finals campaign ended in disappointment after an illness-ridden performance, with a single win against Andrey Rublev before falling to Alexander Zverev.
The 21-year-old has now set his sights on the 2025 season, vowing to address his struggles in indoor settings. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will represent Spain at the upcoming Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, joining forces with legends like Rafael Nadal and a strong lineup of teammates, including Roberto Bautista Agut, Pedro Martinez, and Marcel Granollers.
Djokovic’s Enduring Legacy
While some have started doubting Djokovic’s ability to reclaim his dominance, his history of defying the odds looms large. The Australian Open has often been a stage where Djokovic shines brightest, and with 24 Grand Slam titles under his belt, writing him off would be premature. His ability to perform on the biggest stages, combined with his desire to focus on marquee events, keeps him in the conversation as a serious contender.
If Djokovic indeed finds the “hunger” Alcaraz referred to, the 2025 Australian Open could be yet another chapter in the Serbian’s storied career—a reminder to the world that legends never fade quietly.
