Djokovic aims for more Grand Slam success as Swiatek returns amid doping controversy

Novak Djokovic is confident he can still claim Grand Slam titles, beginning with the Australian Open, as he aims for an unprecedented 11th title and a record 25th major win, starting his bid in Brisbane this week. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, seeking her third Melbourne Park trophy, will also compete at the Queensland Tennis Centre from December 29 to January 5, in a strong women's field. The 2025 season kicks off on Friday with the mixed-teams United Cup in Perth and Sydney, featuring world number two Iga Swiatek, who returns to competition after serving a one-month doping suspension.

This marks the first season since Djokovic began playing that none of the "Big Four" will be on the other side of the net, following the retirements of Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray this year, and Roger Federer's retirement in 2022.

As the older stars faded, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz emerged as the new Grand Slam leaders, with both opting out of warm-up tournaments before the Australian Open, which begins on January 12.

Despite doubts about Djokovic’s ability to challenge the new generation after a disappointing 2024, he surprised the tennis world by hiring Murray as his coach. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, is set to miss Brisbane but will team up with Djokovic at the Australian Open.

"I still aim to perform strongly because my body is holding up well. I’m still motivated to win Grand Slams and make more history," said Djokovic, who needs one more Slam title to surpass Margaret Court’s 24. "That's one of the main reasons I asked Andy to work with me—I still have big plans, and as long as that’s the case, I will keep going."

By his standards, 2024 was a challenging year, with no Slam titles, just one win (Olympic gold in Paris), and an early end to his season in October.

Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, Frances Tiafoe, and Australian Nick Kyrgios, who returns after two years of injury struggles, will also compete in Brisbane. Kyrgios and Djokovic are set to play doubles together.

In the women’s draw, Sabalenka will face top American talents Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, both ranked in the top ten, alongside former world number two Ons Jabeur and veteran Victoria Azarenka.

Sabalenka had a stellar 2024, being named WTA Player of the Year after winning four titles, including successfully defending her Australian Open crown, securing her first US Open title, and capturing WTA 1000 titles in Cincinnati and Wuhan. She also regained the number one ranking from Swiatek, whose reputation was tarnished in November when it was revealed she tested positive for a banned heart medication in August. The International Tennis Integrity Agency concluded the violation was unintentional, and Swiatek received a one-month suspension.

Swiatek called the experience "the worst of my life" but vowed to come back stronger.

Her situation mirrors that of Sinner, who is awaiting the verdict on his case regarding two positive tests for the steroid clostebol. A ruling is expected after the new year, possibly during the Australian Open.

Swiatek will join Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini at the United Cup, while two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka will begin her season at the Auckland Classic, hoping for a better year than 2024, when she failed to win a title. Former US Open champions Emma Raducanu and Bianca Andreescu will also compete in New Zealand.