Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic tries to relieve pressure as he chases 25th Grand Slam title
Novak Djokovic says he does not view the upcoming Australian Open as an “opportunity not to be missed” as he looks to win his 25th Grand Slam title.
The 38-year-old Djokovic has tied Australia’s Margaret Court with 24 Grand Slam victories since his last victory at the 2023 U.S. Open.
Unsurprisingly, the Serbian has shown signs of decline in recent years but still managed to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams last year.
Given that he is Melbourne’s record ten-time men’s champion and has ample recovery time before heading into the first major of the season, the consensus is that the Australian Open is his best chance of securing the elusive record-breaking title.
“There’s a lot of talk about the 25th, but I try to focus on what I’ve achieved rather than what I could have achieved,” said Djokovic, fourth seed at Melbourne Park.
“I wish it would be like this [winning 25]but 24 isn’t a bad number either. I have to be grateful for that and remind myself that I have had an amazing career. “
Djokovic has never made any secret of his desire to make more history, but now he is trying to release some of the “unnecessary” pressure he put on himself to overtake Court.
He will start his latest match against Spain’s Pedro Martinez on Monday night at Rod Laver Arena.
“I don’t think I need to go too far in terms of a ‘make or break’ or ‘now or never’ mentality,” said Djokovic, who aims to become the oldest men’s Grand Slam champion in the Open era.
“It also doesn’t allow me to perform well and give my best.”
