Novak Djokovic is set to kick off his preparation for next month’s Australian Open by competing in the Brisbane International warm-up tournament. The record 24-time Grand Slam champion will join defending Brisbane champion Grigor Dimitrov and American Frances Tiafoe at the ATP 250 event, which begins on December 29. Australians Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka are also among the participants. Djokovic is just one title shy of matching Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. The Serbian star has won the Australian Open 11 times, the most by any player in history.
After a harrowing period during which he battled back from wrist surgery, Djokovic hopes his comeback is off to a solid start in Brisbane. He is a firm favorite to win a sixth title in Melbourne Park and move into the top 10 in 2025.
A run to the quarter-finals would give him 96 Grand Slam elite eight appearances, one shy of former world number one Roger Federer’s record of 102. Djokovic’s last-eight berth in Melbourne was in 2018, and a repeat of that feat at the 2025 edition could take him close to matching the mark of 114 held by Federer.
Despite his recent injury, Djokovic has a strong chance of making the semi-finals in Brisbane if he can find some form in return. He will be boosted by the news that fellow great Federer will not compete this year due to a persistent back problem.
When he plays in Brisbane, Djokovic will aim to become the third man in the Open era to win 100 ATP titles. He will have the chance to get off to a fast start against a field that includes Australian wildcards Cameron Norrie and Alexei Popyrin, as well as 2024 runner-up Dimitrov.
The 37-year-old has been hampered by a wrist injury that required surgery in September. He could not defend his United Cup crown last week and lost in the first round of the Brisbane International. He is expected to be fit to play in Melbourne and will be backed by a strong coaching team that includes former British number one Andy Murray, who Djokovic beat in the final of four Australian Opens.
