Novak Djokovic will begin his 2025 season and attempt to win an 11th Australian Open title at the Brisbane International, it was announced on Wednesday, with the Serbian superstar now coached by Andy Murray.
The 37-year-old is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam crown after failing to add to the total during a frustrating 2024, despite winning Olympic singles gold in Paris.
The ATP-WTA event will take place from December 29 to January 5, and the Australian Open will begin on January 12.
āIām excited to kick off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and compete again at Pat Rafter Arena,ā Djokovic said.
āI look forward to enjoying the incredible support of the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember.ā
If he wins, it would be his 100th career title, only the third man in the Open era behind Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to achieve this feat.
Djokovic was beaten in the semi-finals of this year’s Australian Open by eventual champion Jannik Sinner, his failure to win another major leaving him tied with Margaret Court on a record 24 Grand singles crowns Slam.
In a bid to outdo her in Melbourne, he teamed up with his long-time rival and the now-retired Murray.
The Brisbane tournament will also mark the return to competitive tennis of Australian Nick Kyrgios, who has played just one singles match on the ATP Tour in two years after knee, foot and wrist injuries.
Other men’s players starting their year in Brisbane include Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, Frances Tiafoe and Matteo Berrettini.
Reigning Australian Open champion and world number one Aryna Sabalenka previously announced she would also begin her season at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
Three other top 10 players, including Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and Daria Kasatkina, will also play, as will former Brisbane champion Victoria Azarenka.
Many other players chose to start their year at the United Mixed Team Cup in Sydney and Perth, including women’s world number two Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini.
Men’s world number two Alexander Zverev and fourth-ranked Taylor Fritz have also signed up for the United Cup.
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