Novak Djokovic touches down in Brisbane for first competitive tournament in 75 days
Novak Djokovic has landed in Brisbane to play his first competitive tournament in 75 days. The Serb closed out his 2024 season after finishing as the runner-up at the Shanghai Masters in October.
Djokovic will kick off his 2025 season at the Brisbane International which will take place from 30 December 2024 to 6 January 2025. The former World No.1 will be returning to the tournament after 16 years, with his last appearance here coming in 2009 when he lost in the first round to Ernests Gulbis.
This week, the official social media account of Brisbane International shared a video of Novak Djokovic which showed him entering the practice arena at the Queensland Tennis Centre. He also shared a laugh with defending champion Grigor Dimitrov.
The post read:
“Beautiful day to be back in Brisbane ☀️ @djokernole 🤝 @grigordimitrov #BrisbaneTennis"
The 38-year old's best performance in 2024 came in Paris, as he clinched the gold medal at the Olympic Games. He had runner-up finishes at Wimbledon and the Shanghai Masters. His performances at the Grand Slam events included a run to the semifinals at the Australian Open, a quarterfinal exit at the French Open, and a third-round defeat at the US Open.
Novak Djokovic: “I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International”
![Brisbane International 2025 [Image Source: Getty Images]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/15180-17353773706784-1920.jpg?w=500)
Novak Djokovic will begin his campaign at the 2025 Brisbane International by facing Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata in the first round. A victory in this match will propel him to face either Gael Monfils or another qualifier in the second round.
Speaking in a press conference before the Brisbane International, the Serb said:
“I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena. I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember.”
The former World No.1 will not only be competing in singles but will also be participating in the doubles event alongside Nick Kyrgios. They will take on the duo of Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies in their first match.
Should they emerge victorious, they will then go up against the top-seeded pair of Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in the second round.
Following his campaign at the Brisbane International, Novak Djokovic will compete at the 2025 Australian Open. In 2024, he made it to the semifinals in Melbourne before falling to Jannik Sinner, who went on to win his first Major title in the final.