Djokovic's pursuit of 25th Grand Slam faces threats from rising star Alcaraz, lingering wrist woes

As Novak Djokovic gears up for the Australian Open, his quest for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title faces formidable challenges.

Despite his status as the red-hot favorite, a persistent wrist problem and the emergence of the dynamic Carlos Alcaraz have cast shadows on Djokovic’s all-conquering reign.

The Serbian, aged 36, triumphed in last year’s final against Stefanos Tsitsipas, securing his 10th Melbourne crown and adding the French and US Open titles to his illustrious collection in 2023. However, the Wimbledon final brought an unexpected twist as Alcaraz, a transformed player from his earlier appearance at the Australian hard courts, clinched victory.

Alcaraz, now 20, missed the previous year’s event due to a hamstring injury but arrives at the 2024 Australian Open as a two-time major champion, world number two, and the brightest young star in tennis.

Meanwhile, Djokovic faced setbacks at the United Cup, losing a set to Jiri Lehecka and falling to Australian Alex de Minaur, breaking a 43-match win streak in Australia.

The absence of long-time rival Rafael Nadal, who withdrew due to a muscle tear, adds further intrigue to Djokovic’s journey. Nadal’s compatriot Alcaraz, choosing to skip a warm-up tournament, keeps his current form a mystery.

Djokovic, despite the recent setbacks, remains confident in his ability to perform at his best for the Australian Open.

His unparalleled success in Melbourne, with a flawless record since 2018 and a 20-0 tally in semi-finals and finals at Melbourne Park, positions him as a formidable force.

With Djokovic eyeing a record-breaking victory that would surpass Margaret Court’s 24 majors, the absence of Nadal leaves one less hurdle in his path. However, new challenges emerge, with rising stars like Jannik Sinner and the ever-motivated Daniil Medvedev posing threats to the Serbian’s dominance.

As the Australian Open unfolds over 15 days, a prolonged event to spread out early-round action, the tennis world eagerly anticipates whether Djokovic can overcome adversity and add another historic chapter to his illustrious career.