By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 25, 2025

Novak Djokovic says he will return to the Australian Open next year if he is still "fit, healthy and motivated".

The 37-year-old Serb, aiming for a record-extending 11th men's singles title, retired injured from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev on Friday.

He raised both thumbs in the air towards the 15,000 fans as he left Rod Laver Arena - which he has often described as his "second home".

Asked if it might be his final appearance at Melbourne Park, Djokovic said. "I don't know. There is a chance. Who knows? I'll just have to see how the season goes.

"I want to keep going. But whether I'm going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I'm not sure."

It is the second successive year that Djokovic has lost in the Melbourne semi-finals.

Djokovic has stripped back his schedule in recent seasons and prioritised being ready for the biggest tournaments - namely the four Grand Slams.

The former world number one continues to seek a 25th Slam to move clear of Australia's Margaret Court, who won 24 women's singles titles between 1960 and 1973.

The Australian Open is where Djokovic has enjoyed most of Grand Slam success followed by Wimbledon, where he has won seven titles.

He has also won three French Open and four US Open titles.

"I normally like to come to Australia to play," seventh seed Djokovic added.

"I've had the biggest success in my career here. So if I'm fit, healthy, motivated, I don't see a reason why I wouldn't come.

"But there's always a chance [it is the last time]."

Coming into the first Grand Slam of the season, there was a feeling Djokovic cannot outlast the very best of his younger opponents over five sets like he used to.

Last year was the first since 2017 - and only the second since 2011 - that Djokovic did not win a Grand Slam.

Jannik Sinner's comfortable victory in last year's semi-final - ending Djokovic's 33-match winning streak at Melbourne Park - damaged his aura of invincibility.

Sinner, 23, and Alcaraz, 21 splitting the four major titles last year was further evidence that the changing of the guard was finally happening.

Djokovic proved he could still hang tough with the next generation over five sets when he recovered to beat Alcaraz on Tuesday.

It came at a cost, though.

For the second time in seven months, Djokovic battled through injury for a memorable win - only to suffer the consequences in the next round.

Djokovic tore cartilage in his right knee during his French Open fourth-round victory over Francisco Cerundolo, forcing him to withdraw from the quarter-final against Casper Ruud two days later.

"It's not like I'm approaching every Grand Slam now and worrying whether I'm going to get injured or not," said Djokovic, who was aiming to become the oldest man to win a major in the Open era.

"But statistics are against me in a way in the last couple of years.

"I don't know what exactly is the reason for [the injuries]. But I'll keep going.

"I'll keep striving to win more slams. And as long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I'll be around."

Source BBC Sports

Posted January 25, 2025

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