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Djokovic Eyes 25th Grand Slam at Australian Open: "I Can Still Beat Anybody"

Novak Djokovic enters the 2026 Australian Open confident he can challenge for an 11th title and a historic 25th Grand Slam. He acknowledges the dominant form of younger rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz but believes he can beat anyone on his day. The 38-year-old admitted to a minor physical setback and feeling he lacks some "juice in his legs" for deep Slam runs. Djokovic begins his campaign against Pedro Martinez, trying to focus on his game rather than the pressure of the record.

Key Points: Novak Djokovic Confident for Australian Open 2026 Title Bid

  • Chasing historic 25th Grand Slam title
  • Acknowledges stiff challenge from Sinner & Alcaraz
  • Admits missing "juice in his legs"
  • Focused on process, not just the record
3 min read

I can still beat anybody: Djokovic confident ahead of Australian Open 2026

Novak Djokovic says he can still beat anyone as he chases a record 25th Grand Slam at the Australian Open, despite new rivals and physical challenges.

"When I'm healthy and able to put all the pieces together on a given day, I still feel I can beat anybody. - Novak Djokovic"

Melbourne, Jan 17

Novak Djokovic on Saturday said he remains confident of challenging for the Australian Open title despite missing a little bit of "juice in his legs". The Serbian great also insisted that he is capable of beating anyone on his day.

The 38-year-old tennis great is bidding for a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown and a historic 25th Grand Slam title, a feat that would see him move clear of Australia's Margaret Court. Djokovic, however, faces a stiff challenge from world number one Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have dominated the major championships in recent times.

Djokovic, currently ranked fourth in the world, reached the semifinals at all four Grand Slam tournaments last year and said his belief in his game remains intact despite acknowledging the rise of the younger generation.

"When I'm healthy and able to put all the pieces together on a given day, I still feel I can beat anybody," Djokovic said on the eve of the tournament. "If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't be here competing. I still have the drive." Djokovic said.

While conceding that Sinner and Alcaraz are operating at a level above the rest at present, Djokovic said that does not rule out other contenders. "That's a fact, but it doesn't mean nobody else has a chance. I like my chances in any tournament, especially here in Melbourne," he added.

Djokovic has been chasing a record-breaking 25th major for more than two years but said he is trying not to burden himself with that target. "There's been a lot of talk about the 25th, but I try to focus on what I've already achieved. Twenty-four is not a bad number. I have to appreciate the career I've had and release some unnecessary pressure," he said.

The former world number one has not played a tour-level match since defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the final in Athens in early November. He withdrew from the Adelaide International earlier this month due to what he described as a minor physical setback and admitted he is no longer at his physical peak.

"To be honest, I'm missing a little bit of juice in my legs to be able to compete with these guys in the later stages of a Grand Slam, but I'm giving my best and still trying to stay in the mix," he said.

Djokovic begins his Australian Open campaign on Monday against 71st-ranked Spaniard Pedro Martinez as he looks to mount another title challenge in Melbourne.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Respect for his honesty about missing the "juice in his legs". It's a reality of age. But his mental game is still the best on tour. For us Indian fans who've watched him for nearly 20 years, it's a privilege to see this final chapter. Go Novak!
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Rohit P
Honestly, it's time to pass the torch. Sinner and Alcaraz are the present and future. It's great to have confidence, but at some point, the body just can't keep up with 20-year-olds in best-of-five sets. Still, will always be a GOAT contender.
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Sarah B
The way he's managing expectations is a masterclass. "24 is not a bad number" – such a wise perspective. In a country obsessed with cricket and aging stars like Dhoni, we can relate to this phase of a champion's career. Wishing him the best!
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Vikram M
His first match is at what, 5 AM IST? 😴 But you bet I'll be waking up to watch. There's a different feeling when Djokovic plays. Even if he loses, watching his strategy and fight is like a tutorial in mental strength. Australian Open mornings are the best!
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Karthik V
It's the self-belief for me. In our culture, we're sometimes taught to be humble to a fault. Here's a guy saying, "I can beat anybody on my day," and he's earned the right to say it. That's the attitude more of our young athletes should adopt. 💪

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