Novak Djokovic has reached the second round of the 2025 Australian Open, but he will have to play better if he wants to win the 25th Grand Slam title of his career. The Serbian ace had a lot of difficulties against young American talent Nishesh Basavareddy, who played an excellent match for a set and a half before dropping physically.
The former world No.1 needed more time than expected to find the right rhythm from baseline, but his level rose in the second half of the match and this bodes well for the rest of the tournament.
It is no mystery that Nole aims to win the AO for the 11th time, thus writing a new page in tennis history. The current world number 7 is not the top favorite unlike in the past, but knowing all the secrets of this tournament and no one can afford to underestimate a legend of his caliber.
Djokovic will face Faria
His next opponent at Melbourne Park will be Portuguese ace Faria, who will be able to play with nothing to lose and who will try to put one of the best athletes ever in difficulty.
The feeling is that Novak no longer has the aura of the past and that his opponents take the court much more convinced that they can achieve the feat, even in Grand Slam tournaments. The 24-time Grand Slam champion usually starts tournaments very slowly, before playing his best tennis in the decisive rounds surprising his rivals.
In a recent interview with Eurosport, Adrian Mannarino revealed what he expects from Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open: When hes sharp and in shape, I have a hard time not seeing him as the favorite when he steps on a court.
I dont know how hes going to feel, if he feels the long time with the years that accumulate. But there are only two or three players maximum who can beat him on tour when he wants to.
