In an insightful and candid conversation, Novak Djokovic shared his evolving approach to tennis, the upcoming season, and his collaboration with renowned coach Goran Ivanišević. With a professional career spanning over two decades, Djokovic continues to defy expectations and raise his game to new levels. As he embarks on another year of competition, the world’s number one player delves into how his preparation has changed and how he remains focused on staying at the top despite the emergence of younger rivals.

Djokovic, who has long been known for his intense rivalry with fellow tennis greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, now finds himself navigating a new dynamic. Recently, he’s been working with former rival Andy Murray, a collaboration that has surprised Djokovic. Reflecting on their time together, Djokovic admitted it was strange but exciting to share insights and experiences with Murray, someone he’s spent more than 20 years competing against. The two have traditionally kept their training secrets close to their chests, each trying to outwit the other. Now, however, they have transitioned from fierce competitors to collaborators, sharing strategies and discussing how to improve their games.

Murray’s insight into the nuances of tennis has been invaluable to Djokovic. Both players are known for their mental fortitude and strategic thinking on the court, and Djokovic has already benefited from Murray’s perspective on court positioning and tactical play. Djokovic was quick to praise Murray’s intelligence on the court, noting that their time together has helped him refine his game. Djokovic’s focus remains on small, incremental improvements, recognizing that even slight adjustments can have a significant impact at the highest level of the sport.

This collaboration comes at a time when Djokovic is contemplating how to adapt his game in the face of rising stars such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. These young players are changing the way tennis is played, with their aggressive styles and exceptional athleticism. Djokovic acknowledges that, while he’s not looking to completely transform his game, he’s open to making minor but crucial adjustments. He’s particularly focused on court positioning, transition play, and fine-tuning his mental and physical approach to the game. Djokovic understands that to compete with the younger generation, he needs to stay sharp and continuously improve.

The 2025 season is poised to be a crucial one for Djokovic, especially with the upcoming Australian Open. While Djokovic remains a dominant force in tennis, he is aware that the competition has grown fiercer. However, he isn’t just focusing on the future—he’s also paying attention to the present. The season’s early tournaments are a way for him to fine-tune his game before the high-stakes events. Djokovic’s performance in his recent matches demonstrates his readiness and commitment. In his match against Hijikata, Djokovic started strong, quickly raising his game after a few minor dips. His solid serving, honed during the off-season, helped him close out the match with confidence. For Djokovic, the key to success on surfaces like this one lies in winning “one or two free points” per game, and his serving game was instrumental in that.

While Djokovic is committed to competing at the highest level, he’s also determined not to neglect the finer details. His game isn’t just about raw power but about using every opportunity to gain an advantage. It’s this attention to detail that has kept him at the top for so long. He emphasized the importance of video analysis, and how studying his opponents’ play can give him the edge he needs in big matches. Djokovic’s strategic mindset is an essential part of his game, and he intends to continue using it to his advantage.

With the Australian Open on the horizon, Djokovic’s thoughts also turn to managing his schedule. Over the past year, he has been focused on playing a limited number of tournaments, concentrating on the Grand Slams and other significant events. However, he’s hinted at a slight shift in his approach for this season. While Djokovic is still committed to prioritizing the Grand Slams, he’s also considering a more balanced schedule, which includes additional Masters events. The key for Djokovic is to peak at the right moments and maintain a level of consistency throughout the year. He will be playing in Doha and potentially other tournaments, depending on how his body feels. His goal remains to perform at his best when it matters most, but balancing rest with competition is a priority.

On a personal note, Djokovic also spoke about his friendship with Goran Ivanišević, who is now working with Kazakhstan’s rising star, Elena Rybakina. Djokovic expressed his excitement about the collaboration, recalling his own time working with Ivanišević. The Croatian coach, known for his legendary serve, has had a significant influence on Djokovic’s game, and Djokovic is happy to see him bring his expertise to a new generation of players. He also mentioned how Ivanišević’s experience working primarily with male players on the ATP Tour may be an adjustment as he now works with Rybakina, but Djokovic is confident that Ivanišević’s wealth of experience will be a valuable asset for the Kazakhstani star.

Looking ahead, Djokovic’s mindset remains focused on the bigger picture. While his near-term goals are clear, with the Australian Open and several other key tournaments on the horizon, Djokovic remains determined to continue evolving his game. His ability to adapt, learn from rivals and teammates, and stay mentally sharp has been key to his longevity in the sport. As he gears up for the upcoming season, the tennis world will be watching to see how Djokovic continues to innovate and compete at the highest level.