Novak Djokovic could tackle Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne even earlier than the Australian Open begins after the three stars confirmed their participation at a charity occasion at Melbourne Park between 07-10 January.
For the subsequent season, the opening Grand Slam of the yr is slated to happen between January 14-28.
Djokovic, who’s a report 10-time champion on the Australian Open, hasn’t signed up for any tournaments main as much as the Glad Slam. Up to now two years, he would begin his season by representing Serbia on the United Cup – however in 2025 – his nation will not compete on the occasion.
Now that the Serb is signed as much as play a charity occasion in Melbourne, it’s clear that he will not play any ATP tournaments within the week earlier than the opening Main of the yr. Apart from the charity match, he might also play a match or two on the Kooyong Traditional, a well-liked exhibition additionally happening in Melbourne.
Apart from Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz, Australia’s Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin additionally signed up for the occasion. Additionally, one main WTA title has been confirmed as 2024 Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen can be part of the participant lineup.
What’s precisely this system for the charity occasion?
On January seventh – the opening day of the occasion – there will probably be a Tie-Break Tens occasion with six gamers competing. And it’ll taking place on Rod Laver Area with DJ dropping beats.
Additionally, there will probably be an element known as “the Australian Open 1 Level Slam,” the place native membership gamers could have an opportunity to tackle professionals.
“Australian Open 2025 will kick off with a bang with extra unbelievable tennis and leisure on provide than ever earlier than, and extra of the precinct open throughout Opening Week. There will probably be 4 spectacular nights of charity matches on Rod Laver Area that includes an unbelievable line-up of worldwide stars together with our 10-time champion Novak Djokovic, 2024 champ and world No.1 Jannik Sinner, Spanish celebrity Carlos Alcaraz and Qinwen Zheng,” Australian Open match director Craig Tiley stated.
“Aussies Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin may also compete towards one of the best of one of the best to entertain followers and assist a variety of youngsters’s charities by way of the Australian Tennis Basis. With Dylan Alcott as MC, Pink Bull Bassline on Tuesday evening could have an electrical ambiance with a stay DJ, courtside interviews and gamers interacting with followers within the stands.
“Opening Week affords wonderful worth to followers and households with Floor Passes simply $15 for adults and $10 for teenagers. On a Floor Move, followers can watch the champions of tomorrow battle it out in qualifying, rise up near the titans of the sport as they observe on Rod Laver Area, get pleasure from stay music, hear instantly from gamers, store and pattern scrumptious meals and drinks from an enormous vary of shops.
“We’ll even be giving out 5 thousand Scorching Photographs tennis racquets to children. We’re extremely excited to host the world’s first 1 Level Slam on the Australian Open and know followers will get behind locals as they tackle the professionals.”
Djokovic could have a transparent mission in Australia
After Sinner and Alcaraz break up 4 Grand Slams this yr and left the 37-year-old with out a Slam title in a season for the primary time since 2017, the present world No. 7 warned everybody that he can be again in 2025 decided so as to add extra success to his title. To point out he was critical, the report 24-time Main winner employed Andy Murray as his coach for the Australian Open.
Going into 2025 and the opening Slam of the yr, Sinner and Alcaraz are thought to be the 2 prime favorites for the largest titles. However Djokovic hopes that Murray – who competed towards these guys – can provide you with one thing that may assist return to being one of the best within the recreation.
“We had been going by way of totally different names and I noticed at this level the proper coach can be somebody who has been by way of the experiences I’ve been by way of. A a number of Grand Slam winner and I used to be desirous about a number of and the Andy Murray dialogue appeared on the desk with my workforce. I made a decision I might give him a name and see the way it goes. It caught him off guard a little bit bit as he wasn’t anticipating it. We related actually quick and he accepted it after a number of days. I can’t be extra enthusiastic about it,” the 37-year-old advised Sky Sports activities when requested why he employed Murray.
If Djokovic meets Sinner and Alcaraz within the charity occasion, he in all probability will not go full power however there isn’t a doubt that he would like to win these matches only for the psychological functions.
