Since winning the first of five consecutive Aussie titles in 2011, this year’s event is probably the first that Djokovic enters Down Under without favored status. The No. 7 seed is looking at a draw that has him potentially facing Carlos Alcaraz in the quarters, Alexander Zverev in the semis, and Jannik Sinner in the final. He played one tune-up event in Brisbane, losing in straight sets to Reilly Opelka, whom Djokovic could play in the third round. He’s hardly an underdog—no one would be too surprised if he wins the title—but he’s no longer considered the man to beat.
Even still, Djokovic remains firmly in the crosshairs. As seasoned and statesmanlike as he can be at times, he also still manages to say things that stir controversy. Stories involving his claims that he was poisoned in a Melbourne hotel in 2022 during his visa detention, perceived slights he levied against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, and the benefits of an “energetic disc” he wears on his body to promote healing are just the latest.
Any potential distraction is unlikely to disrupt Djokovic’s focus. He’s adamant about pushing forward and having an openness to evolving as a person and a player. As his shoe brand of choice puts it: sound mind, sound body.
“That’s something I respect. I resonate with that philosophy,” he says. “I think it’s always important to progress in life and to invest energy and effort into being better. Because everyone else is doing it. So you are either going to progress or regress, there’s no such thing as stagnation.”
Which could be why Djokovic tapped Andy Murray to serve as his latest coach, a partnership that, more or less, came out of left field. The recently-retired Murray is exactly one week older than Djokovic. Even though the two have been friends since their time in the juniors, it’s a somewhat unprecedented move to ask a former rival to assume the role.
