Sania Mirza sends Djokovic warning to AUS Open title contenders Sinner, Alcaraz: 'Nobody wants to see Novak in the QF'
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India, Jan. 10 -- The main draw of the Australian Open 2025 is scheduled to commence on Sunday, with significant attention focused on Novak Djokovic, who aims to secure an unprecedented 11th title in Melbourne. The Serbian star will begin his journey against Nishesh Basavareddy, an American tennis player of Indian descent, in the opening round.
Despite not winning any Grand Slam titles last year, Djokovic did achieve Olympic gold in Paris, triumphing over Carlos Alcaraz in the final match. In anticipation of the Australian Open, Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza issued a cautionary note to competitors such as Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz.
"It is likely that we are witnessing the final years of his career. To be frank, this poses a challenge for those vying for the title," she remarked.
"Competitors would prefer not to face Novak in the quarterfinals; they would rather encounter him in the finals. Thus, he enters this tournament in a favorable position, with the pressure alleviated," she further stated.
Currently ranked World No. 7, Djokovic is aiming to secure his 25th Grand Slam title, which would further extend his record. He has amassed a total of 99 singles titles, including a remarkable 72 major titles, 24 Grand Slam victories, a record 40 Masters titles, seven year-end championships, and an Olympic gold medal. Djokovic is the only male player to have achieved a triple Career Grand Slam and the sole athlete to have completed a Career Golden Masters, a feat he has accomplished on two occasions.
At 37 years of age, he remains the only player in singles history to have won all major titles and has also completed a Career Super Slam. Three years ago, Djokovic faced detention upon his arrival in Melbourne for the Grand Slam event due to not meeting the vaccination requirements for entry into the country. In 2022, he experienced two periods in a quarantine hotel before being deported. Since that time, he has successfully claimed the Australian Open title.
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