Novak Djokovic may take on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne even before the Australian Open starts after the three stars confirmed their participation at a charity event at Melbourne Park between 07-10 January.
ADVERTISEMENT
For the next season, the opening Grand Slam of the year is slated to take place between January 14-28.
Djokovic, who is a record 10-time champion at the Australian Open, hasn't signed up for any tournaments leading up to the Happy Slam. In the past two years, he would start his season by representing Serbia at the United Cup - but in 2025 - his nation won't compete at the event.
Now that the Serb is signed up to play a charity event in Melbourne, it is clear that he won't play any ATP tournaments in the week before the opening Major of the year. Besides the charity tournament, he may also play a match or two at the Kooyong Classic, a popular exhibition also taking place in Melbourne.
Besides Djokovic, Sinner and Alcaraz, Australia's Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin also signed up for the event. Also, one major WTA name has been confirmed as 2024 Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen is also a part of the player lineup.
ADVERTISEMENT
What's exactly the program for the charity event?
On January 7th - the opening day of the event - there will be a Tie-Break Tens event with six players competing. And it will happening on Rod Laver Arena with DJ dropping beats.
Also, there will be a part called "the Australian Open 1 Point Slam," where local club players will have a chance to take on pros.
Australian Open 2025 will kick off with a bang with more incredible tennis and entertainment on offer than ever before, and more of the precinct open during Opening Week. There will be four spectacular nights of charity matches on Rod Laver Arena featuring an incredible line-up of international stars including our 10-time champion Novak Djokovic, 2024 champ and world No.1 Jannik Sinner, Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz and Qinwen Zheng," Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Aussies Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin will also compete against the best of the best to entertain fans and support a range of childrens charities through the Australian Tennis Foundation. With Dylan Alcott as MC, Red Bull Bassline on Tuesday night will have an electric atmosphere with a live DJ, courtside interviews and players interacting with fans in the stands.
Opening Week offers amazing value to fans and families with Ground Passes just $15 for adults and $10 for kids. On a Ground Pass, fans can watch the champions of tomorrow battle it out in qualifying, get up close to the titans of the game as they practice on Rod Laver Arena, enjoy live music, hear directly from players, shop and sample delicious food and drinks from a huge range of outlets.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Well also be giving out five thousand Hot Shots tennis racquets to kids. We are incredibly excited to host the worlds first 1 Point Slam at the Australian Open and know fans will get behind locals as they take on the pros."
Djokovic will have a clear mission in Australia
After Sinner and Alcaraz split four Grand Slams this year and left the 37-year-old without a Slam title in a season for the first time since 2017, the current world No. 7 warned everyone that he would be back in 2025 determined to add more success to his name. To show he was serious, the record 24-time Major winner hired Andy Murray as his coach for the Australian Open.
Going into 2025 and the opening Slam of the year, Sinner and Alcaraz are regarded as the two top favorites for the biggest titles. But Djokovic hopes that Murray - who competed against these guys - can come up with something that would help return to being the best in the game.
ADVERTISEMENT
We were going through different names and I realized at this point the perfect coach would be someone who has been through the experiences I have been through. A multiple Grand Slam winner and I was thinking about a few and the Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table with my team. I decided I would give him a call and see how it goes. It caught him off guard a little bit as he wasnt expecting it. We connected really fast and he accepted it after a few days. I cant be more excited about it," the 37-year-old told Sky Sports when asked why he hired Murray.
If Djokovic meets Sinner and Alcaraz in the charity event, he probably won't go full strength but there is no doubt that he would love to win those matches just for the mental purposes.
