Novak Djokovic’s balancing act at the Australian Open – Champion spirit, aging body

Novak Djokovic won’t arrive in Melbourne just to make up the numbers and look for a spot in the last eight or four.

The veteran remains driven by the same standard that has defined his career: he only fights when the title is within reach.

Here comes Novak Djokovic! 💥

He draws level with Svajda on Ashe, 6-7 6-3. pic.twitter.com/jr8ehHX2xF

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 27, 2025

Speaking about Djokovic’s chances at the upcoming first Major of the season, Guy Forget gave his honest opinion. The Frenchman doesn’t see the Serbian as prepared as he was in his prime, with decades of competition leaving their mark on him.

On the other hand, Forget highlighted Djokovic’s motivation and determination to challenge top rivals and remain a contender for notable trophies at the age of 38. Otherwise he wouldn’t travel Down Under.

The realities are new, but faith coexists with them. While he doesn’t bring the same physical intensity as before, Novak’s more cautious approach, built around recovery and smart planning, keeps him competitive.

Avoiding the minor physical problems that naturally arise with age is crucial in the legend’s quest for that 25th Major title. Without that, he knows, he cannot challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

However, Djokovic’s motivation remains undiminished long after he has achieved everything our sport has to offer. The 24-time Major winner feels more capable than nostalgic.

Novak’s ideal plan is to reach the latter stages of the Majors with minimal attrition and avoid early five-setters. That could make him fresh enough to test himself against the world’s leading duo.

The Belgrade native knows the task ahead of him is bigger than ever. However, his belief remains strong, especially after reaching all four major semi-finals in 2025.

His confidence comes from experience, tactical intelligence and an ego forged by overcoming impossible odds time and time again. Djokovic feels the door is still open and he hopes to continue walking through it this season, when he turns 39.

“I think Novak can no longer prepare himself the way he did in the past, because of his age, the level of difficulty and the amount of training he has given himself all these years. First of all, because his body is breaking down, he has to be very careful with his recovery, with the little problems that start to appear here and there.

But his motivation is still there: he still competes because he feels capable. He is not traveling to the Australian Open with the aim of reaching the quarter-finals or semi-finals.

Novak must be convinced that with a bit of luck and a good draw he can still reach the semi-finals with relatively little fatigue in his legs. Then he must think he is still capable of beating Carlos or Jannik.

However, in reality it will not be easy, but in the mentality of his champion and with his ego, he is convinced that he can still do it,” said Guy Forget.