Novak Djokovic is set to chase his 11th Australian Open title on Sunday, going head-to-head with Nishesh Basavareddy. After a year without clinching a Grand Slam, Djokovic claimed Olympic gold. Meanwhile, Sania Mirza advises youngsters to brace for tough times, highlighting Djokovic’s commanding presence and the intense pressure he exerts on his rivals throughout the tournament.

New Delhi: Novak Djokovic is set to make headlines as he kicks off his quest for an extraordinary 11th title at the Australian Open 2025, starting this Sunday. In the first round, he will go up against Nishesh Basavareddy, an American player of Indian descent. All eyes will be on this match as Djokovic aims to secure yet another milestone victory in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic, after not claiming a Grand Slam title last year, triumphed with an Olympic gold in Paris by beating Carlos Alcaraz. With the Australian Open on the horizon, Indian tennis great Sania Mirza warns young talents like Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz of the hurdles they might encounter in the competition.
“It’s probably the last two couple of years that we’re going to watch him play. I think to be very honest, on the contrary, it’s going to be a problem for the title contenders,” she said.
“Nobody wants to see Novak in the quarterfinal. They would rather play him in the final. So, I think he’s going in with a great situation where the pressure is off to him right now,” she added.
Novak Djokovic, currently ranked as the World No. 7, is on a quest for his 25th Grand Slam title, further extending his impressive record. With a remarkable collection of 99 singles titles, which includes 24 Grand Slams and 40 Masters titles, Djokovic stands out in the tennis world. He uniquely boasts a triple Career Grand Slam and has twice completed the Career Golden Masters, underscoring his unparalleled influence in tennis history.
Novak Djokovic, at 37, has made his mark in tennis history by clinching a Career Super Slam and securing every major title. In 2022, he faced a significant hurdle with deportation issues from Australia over vaccination disputes. Yet, his story of resilience shone through as he made a triumphant comeback to win the Australian Open, highlighting his unwavering determination in the sport.