Could this be Djokovic’s best shot at a record 25th major title?

Melbourne, Australia — List of people who wrote this novak djokovic Sports obituaries are almost as long as the extensive honor rolls of tennis greats. But time and again, Djokovic has defied the narrative, building what is unquestionably the greatest legacy in tennis history with 24 major titles.

There’s no denying that he wants to rewrite the record books – even at the age of 38, with time no longer on his side.

And he’s hardly headed for irrelevance. Despite being the second-oldest man in the game and the oldest man currently ranked in the ATP top 60, Djokovic spent the previous season ranked in the top 7, was one of just two men to reach the semi-finals at all four major tournaments, and became just the third man in history to win 100 tournaments in a career. He still has all the tools, knowledge, firepower and – perhaps most importantly – the hunger to mix it up with everyone else in the game. This includes Janic Sinner And carlos alcarazA devastating pair who have outshone the entire competition over the last 24 months, and two who certainly stand in the way of another crown in Australia.

Since Djokovic won the 2023 US Open, his last major title, Sinner and Alcaraz combined to win the following eight Slams and establish a new era of dominance in tennis. The World No. 2 Sinner has defeated Djokovic in each of their last five matches, including the semi-final stages of the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. Djokovic has fared better against No. 1-ranked Alcaraz: the pair share a 2-2 head-to-head record since the start of 2024.

“I think Sinner and Alcaraz are playing at a different level than anybody else right now. That’s a fact. But that doesn’t mean nobody else has a chance,” a confident Djokovic said on the eve of the Australian Open. “I like my chances in any tournament, especially here. I know that when I’m healthy, when I’m able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together on any given day, I feel like I can beat anybody.

“If I didn’t have that self-belief and confidence I wouldn’t be here. Right now, I’m still ranked No. 4 in the world, still competing at the highest level. I’m grateful for another shot, especially here. I’ve always loved playing in Australia.”

If Djokovic is to climb the outright record of 25 major singles titles, it would be both fitting and probable if it were to be achieved at this fortnight’s Australian Open, the Grand Slam that has eluded him throughout his tennis career. Djokovic is a record 10-time tournament champion, has a 91% win rate when playing at Melbourne Park, and has lost only six matches here in 19 years. Rod Laver Arena’s iconic blue hard court might as well be his second home; A platform where he has produced some of the most breathtaking tennis and countless magical moments, all of these cannot be underestimated when assessing Djokovic’s title prospects in 2026.

Perhaps another advantage for Djokovic as he enters the final stages of his career is that, despite all his accolades and achievements, few, if any, really expect him to now best either Sinner or Alcaraz in a best-of-five-set contest. Is there a risk that they will underestimate him? Maybe, maybe not, but both men will be busy chasing their own parts of history this fortnight, which only puts more weight and expectations on their shoulders. Sinner is trying to join Djokovic as the only men to win the Australian Open three consecutive years in the Open era. Meanwhile, a title at Melbourne Park this year would make Alcaraz the youngest person (age 22) in history to complete a career Slam.

However, Djokovic is not concerned with any of this, focusing only on how he can spoil his respective parties.

“My priority is really to take care of my body, build momentum and not expend unnecessary energy,” Djokovic said. “[Last year] To be able to compete with these guys in the latter stages of a Grand Slam, I was missing a little bit of strength in my legs. But I am definitely giving my best and I think I have challenged them on the way to the title. We know how good they are and they absolutely deserve to be where they are. “Hopefully I can go far again and get a chance to play.”

No matter what the outcome of Djokovic’s Australian Open campaign has been, the simple fact that he is even on the fringes of the championship discussion at this point in his career, let alone a genuine title contender, is shocking. Their longevity and excellence is unprecedented and is unlikely to ever be repeated. Since turning 35 three and a half years ago, Djokovic has won four Grand Slam titles, reached the semi-finals 11 times, hoisted two ATP Finals trophies, won an Olympic gold medal, and spent 59 weeks at world No. 1. That alone is worthy of a place in the Tennis Hall of Fame.

“There’s been a lot of talk about the 25th, but I try to focus on what I’ve achieved, not what I could potentially achieve,” Djokovic said. “I’m the last person who should be complaining or regretting anything. I mean, I’ve broken as many records as there are to break in this sport and I’m forever grateful to tennis for giving me the opportunity to travel the world and live my dream. Honestly, I’m still living my dream. I hope it comes true [25]But 24 isn’t a bad number either!”