Djokovic and Sabalenka Lead the Charge as 2025 Tennis Season Kicks Off
The 2025 tennis season is set to begin with excitement, as Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka head into the year with big ambitions. Djokovic, aiming for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title and a record-breaking 25th major, kicks off his season in Brisbane this week, while Sabalenka, the top-ranked women’s player, also prepares for the Australian Open with a strong showing in the Queensland Tennis Centre from Dec. 29 to Jan. 5.
Djokovic’s Pursuit of History
At 37, Novak Djokovic is far from slowing down. Despite a challenging 2024 season that saw him fail to win a Grand Slam and claim only one title, the Serbian remains motivated and focused on making more tennis history. “I still have motivation to win Grand Slams, make more history,” Djokovic said recently, as he prepares to start his 2025 season in Brisbane.
This season marks a significant change for Djokovic, as it’s the first year since he began his career that none of his former “Big Four” rivals—Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, or Roger Federer—will be on the tour. With Nadal and Murray retiring this year and Federer stepping away in 2022, Djokovic’s path to further titles has been cleared of these longtime competitors.
But Djokovic’s resolve is strong. He has hired his former rival, Andy Murray, as his coach, signaling his continued hunger for success. Although Murray will not join him in Brisbane, the two will team up for the Australian Open, where Djokovic aims to continue his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th major. “I still have big plans, so as long as that’s the case, I will keep going,” Djokovic added, showcasing his commitment to competing at the highest level.
Sabalenka’s Stellar Year and Melbourne Hopes
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka enters the new season as the WTA Player of the Year. The Belarusian star had a remarkable 2024, winning her second consecutive Australian Open title, her first U.S. Open, and two WTA 1000 events in Cincinnati and Wuhan. Sabalenka’s success culminated in her reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking, dethroning Iga Świątek.
Sabalenka is now eyeing a third Australian Open title, which would further cement her status as one of the sport’s top players. Her form in 2024 has made her one of the favorites heading into the first Grand Slam of 2025.
New Rivalries and Challenges
The 2025 season also marks the rise of younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who are set to challenge Djokovic and other established names. Sinner, fresh off his success in 2024, will be aiming for a repeat of his Australian Open win, while rising stars like Frances Tiafoe will also look to disrupt the established order.
As the Brisbane tournament and the United Cup in Perth and Sydney get underway, the stage is set for an exciting year of tennis. With Djokovic and Sabalenka leading the charge, fans can expect thrilling rivalries and unforgettable moments throughout the season.
