Mumbai: Novak Djokovic is thoroughly enjoying his time at Melbourne Park. He is participating in exhibition doubles alongside his coach Andy Murray, engaging in lighthearted moments in the locker room with Carlos Alcaraz, and even taking on the role of a journalist during Alexander Zverev’s press conference. This 24-time Grand Slam champion was allowed to pose a question, and he even followed up with another.

After inquiring about Zverev’s fascination with space, Djokovic provocatively asked if the key to the German winning a Grand Slam might lie in that realm. “I believe the answer to winning a Grand Slam is you allowing me to win one,” responded the world No. 2 with a playful tone.

For much of the past fifteen years, this statement, though made in jest, held a degree of truth, particularly at the Australian Open. However, last year, Djokovic faced challenges from Jannik Sinner in Australia and was kept from any Grand Slam victories by emerging younger talents, prompting a shift in perspective.

The current question is not merely whether he can permit others to claim a title; it is whether he can reclaim one in a territory he has dominated ten times. Sinner and Alcaraz are determined to challenge him in 2024, while Djokovic is intent on regaining his supremacy in 2025. The dynamic has shifted from being the pursued to becoming the pursuer.

A ‘Fresh’ Season

This transformation, following years of consistent dominance by the Big Three, of which Djokovic was the last member to join, lends a refreshing quality to the new tennis season and the upcoming Grand Slam in Melbourne.

This freshness is reminiscent of Djokovic’s own Slam debut two decades ago at the 2005 Australian Open, which occurred just months before his new coach, Murray, made his debut. Since that initial first-round exit, Djokovic has cultivated a profound affinity for Melbourne, as evidenced by his record number of titles, despite his claims of “poisoning.” There is no better venue than those vibrant blue courts for the Serbian to make a comeback and assert his prowess.

The underlying message is that, on Australian soil and hard courts, Djokovic possesses an aura that often leads opponents to concede even before stepping onto the court. This was dramatically challenged by a young Italian in last year’s semi-final.

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