Novak Djokovic to play Brisbane International before Australia Open
Novak Djokovic will play at the Brisbane International before starting his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in Melbourne in January.
The 37-year-old is a 10-time Melbourne champion. Tied with Australian Margaret Court for a record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
The Serbian, ranked seventh in the world, has failed to add to his Grand Slam tally in a frustrating 2024.
The Brisbane Championships will be held from December 29 to January 5 and will be the last match before the start of the Australian Open on January 12.
“I’m excited to start my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and compete again at Pat Rafter Arena,” Djokovic said.
“I’m looking forward to receiving the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this a memorable game.”
Djokovic, who has 99 ATP titles, aims to join American Jimmy Connors (109) and Swiss Roger Federer (103) as the third person in the Open era to win 100 A professional champion.
The field in Brisbane features Nick Kyrgios, defending champion Grigor Dimitrov and Holger Rune.
Djokovic Appointment of Andy Murray as his Australian Open coach last month.
The former British world No. 1 was defeated by Djokovic four times in the Australian Open final.
It remains to be seen whether three-time Grand Slam winner Murray will join Djokovic in Brisbane or take on a coaching role later.
Djokovic reached the semifinals of the Australian Open earlier this year, losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
