Novak Djokovic has been desperate for his 25th Grand Slam title over the past two seasons, and this year’s Australian Open could be his best chance yet.
Djokovic is yet to drop a set in his first three matches against Pedro Martinez, Francesco Maestrelli, and Botic van de Zandschulp.
The star was set for a round of 16 clash with Jakub Mensik, but the Czech star has sadly withdrawn from the Australian Open.
At 38 years old, this has massively boosted Djokovic’s chances of claiming that elusive 25th Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic’s advantage over Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
Djokovic performed well at each of the four Grand Slams in 2025, but he certainly ran out of steam during his semi-final matches.
The Serbian was forced to withdraw from his semi-final at the 2025 Australian Open against Alexander Zverev as fatigue set in.
Likewise, Djokovic lacked energy as he was swept aside in straight sets by Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and by Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open.
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Missing a match en route to the semi-final will undoubtedly be a boost for Djokovic while his rivals have to battle it out in the round of 16.
Djokovic has not spent too long on court so far, while Alcaraz has had two of his longest straight sets matches against Tommy Paul and Yannick Hanfmann.
Sinner, meanwhile, was put through the wringer in the extreme heat as he survived a scare against Eliot Spizzirri.
Alcaraz will have to navigate the extreme heat himself with high temperatures expected for his 27 January match against Alex de Minaur.
Djokovic could not be in a better position as he heads into the second week of the Australian Open, and he will be delighted with his chances of claiming another major trophy.
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Djokovic has automatically secured his place in the quarter-finals and he will await the winner of Lorenzo Musetti and Taylor Fritz.
No matter which man gets through the round of 16 match, Djokovic will fancy his chances of knocking them out.
Djokovic has a terrific head-to-head record against both men, having suffered just one loss in 21 matches against the two men.
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The Serbian has never lost to Fritz in 11 meetings, which included four Grand Slam victories, including one at the Australian Open.
Musetti defeated Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters in 2023, but that’s his only victory in their 11 meetings.
Since that victory for Musetti, Djokovic has won six straight matches against the Italian star, with their most recent coming at the Hellenic Championships in Athens.
If recent form is anything to go on, Djokovic could quite comfortably find himself in yet another Grand Slam semi-final.
