Djokovic to begin bid for 25th Grand Slam crown in Brisbane / Photo: © AFP
-
Ninth woman found dead in South Africa killing spree
-
Kids and social media: what would change under new EU law
-
Smog scuppers Japan force helping fight Indonesia wildfires
-
Modi pitches India as global chipmaking hub
-
King Charles to call on tech giants for 'reassurances' over AI
-
Ukraine plans record defence spending in 2027
-
Lebanon security talks in Paris focus on replacing UN mission
-
Klopp calls up 44 players in huge first Germany squad
-
Most stocks rise as Fed hikes and oil prices drop
-
STARPRIME Responds to Diverging Gold Market Demand with AM/PM Fixing and XAU24/7
-
'Vande Mataram': Why is India's freedom song in spotlight?
-
Ukrainian fashion designer debuts art between air raids
-
Counterculture pop artist Peter Max dies at 88: US media
-
Gambian businesses struggle under prolonged blackouts
-
Asian Games chief defends 'functional' rooms after backlash
-
Fiji declares national HIV crisis
-
Leader's sister says only 'idiots' think N. Korea to give up nukes
-
Australia to cut migration to fix housing crisis: minister
-
World's water cycle becoming more unpredictable, UN warns
-
NASA scan discovers new, 'once in a century' Moon crater
-
Where the US-China tariff row stands ahead of White House summit
-
Most stocks rise as Fed hikes and indicates drive to curb inflation
-
Croc-habitat gets green light for 2032 Olympic rowing
-
US again denies Palestinian leader Abbas visa to attend UN assembly
-
Indonesia cash-for-photos scheme turns animal hunters into protectors
-
Lula says he will go to UN to tell Trump to 'stay out' of Brazil's elections
-
'Left-field' life: Briton becomes Thailand's top foreign monk
-
Messi heads Inter Miami to Campeones Cup triumph
-
India's transgender amendment leaves many in limbo
-
AI looms large ahead of Xi, Trump summit
-
Trump to host Xi amid pomp, low expectations
-
Smith still haunted by 'Sandpapergate' as he prepares for South Africa Tests
-
Harry set for UK public outings with security, royal status hazy
-
UK-Sudanese author pens book to give children 'African history of Africa'
-
NFL Chiefs' Kelce among investors bilked in Ponzi scheme
-
Boehly and Walter sell Chelsea stake to Clearlake Capital
-
Trump threatens EU over 'hostile' Canada association plan
-
US House backs data center power cost bill amid midterm backlash
-
Argentine judge orders suspension of Falklands oil project
-
US Congress passes sweeping Russia sanctions bill
-
Carrick takes the blame as troubled Man Utd suffer League Cup misery
-
Barca hit Racing for seven as Atletico crush Osasuna
-
Barcelona hit seven in Racing Santander rout
-
US Fed raises rates to tackle 'too high' inflation, irking Trump
-
Amorim's Milan beaten by Benfica, Sunderland make dream European return
-
Man Utd misery mounts after League Cup collapse against Brighton
-
US stocks fall, dollar gains after Fed lifts interest rates
-
Turkey releases 106 protesters, jails more LGBTQ activists
-
Seahawks rule out Darnold for Sunday game at Arizona
-
US Fed raises rates to tackle 'too high' inflation in move sure to rile Trump
Djokovic to begin bid for 25th Grand Slam crown in Brisbane
Novak Djokovic will begin his 2025 season and bid for an 11th Australian Open title at the Brisbane International, it was announced Wednesday, with the Serbian superstar now coached by Andy Murray.
The 37-year-old is targeting a record 25th Grand Slam crown after failing to add to the total during a frustrating 2024, although he did win Olympic singles gold in Paris.
The ATP-WTA event runs December 29-January 5, with the Australian Open to begin on January 12.
"I'm excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena," said Djokovic.
"I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember."
Should he win, it would be his 100th career title, just the third man in the Open era behind Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to achieve the feat.
Djokovic was beaten in the Australian Open semi-finals this year by eventual champion Jannik Sinner with his failure to lift another major leaving him tied with Margaret Court on a record 24 Grand Slam singles crowns.
In a bid to surpass her in Melbourne, he has teamed up with long-time rival and the now-retired Murray.
The Brisbane tournament will also mark the return to competitive tennis of Australian Nick Kyrgios, who has played just one ATP Tour singles match in two years after knee, foot and wrist injuries.
Other men's players starting their year in Brisbane include Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, Frances Tiafoe and Matteo Berrettini.
Reigning Australian Open women's champion and world number one Aryna Sabalenka had previously announced she too would start her season at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
Three other top-10 players including Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and Daria Kasatkina will also play, as will former Brisbane champion Victoria Azarenka.
A host of other players have opted to start their year at the mixed-teams United Cup in Sydney and Perth, including women's world number two Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini.
Men's world number two Alexander Zverev and fourth-ranked Taylor Fritz have also signed up for the United Cup.
F.Müller--BTB
