The Australian Open ten-time champion returns to Melbourne; can he win the title again this year?

The King of Melbourne has arrived on the battlefield!

Serbian star Djokovic recently arrived at Melbourne Park and wasted no time starting his training, holding his first open practice at Rod Laver Arena. Even this ordinary session attracted many fans, and his training partners included elite players such as Medvedev and Lehecka.

As an undeniable giant in today’s tennis world, Djokovic turned professional in 2003 and won his first ATP singles title in 2006; in September 2007, the young Djokovic reached his first Grand Slam singles final at the US Open (finishing runner-up); the following year at the Australian Open, he claimed his first Grand Slam singles championship.

Alongside Djokovic come many legends and records. In 2023, by winning the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open, he achieved the unprecedented "triple career Grand Slam." His total of 24 Grand Slam titles also tied Margaret Court, placing them jointly at the top of the all-time list.

In 2024, Djokovic won the Olympic singles gold medal in Paris, completing his career Golden Slam. Currently, Djokovic holds 24 Grand Slam titles, 1 Olympic singles gold, 7 ATP Finals championships, 40 ATP Masters 1000 titles, 15 ATP 500 titles, and 13 ATP 250 titles. Interestingly, the lower-tier 250 and 500 tournaments make up the smallest portion of his victories.

Among Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam singles titles, the Australian Open stands out as his most remarkable achievement. It is not only where he won his first Grand Slam but also where he has triumphed in all 10 finals he reached. His other Grand Slam records include 3 titles and 4 runner-ups at the French Open, 7 titles and 3 runner-ups at Wimbledon, and 4 titles and 6 runner-ups at the US Open.

It is also at the Australian Open where Djokovic has achieved multiple three-peat championships. The Serbian last won the title there in the 2023 season, while his best results in Melbourne over the past two years have been reaching the men’s singles semifinals.

Despite a decline in competitiveness with age, the soon-to-be 39-year-old Djokovic remains a strong contender for tournament titles.

This year marks Djokovic’s 21st participation in the Australian Open. The Serbian’s goal is clear: to claim his 11th singles title in Melbourne Park and his 25th Grand Slam singles championship overall. If he accomplishes this, he will surpass Court to become the sole record holder for the most Grand Slam singles titles in history!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Barbie)