“I still will try to go strong because I feel like my body is serving me well. I still have motivation to win Grand Slams, make more history,” said Djokovic, who needs one more Slam crown to surpass Margaret Court’s 24.
“That’s one of the biggest reasons why I asked Andy to work with me, because I still have big plans, so as long as that’s the case, I will keep going.”
By his standards, 2024 wasn’t kind, failing to win a Slam, claiming just one title — Olympic gold in Paris — and ending his season in October.
A resurgent Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, and Frances Tiafoe are also playing in Brisbane, as is Australian Nick Kyrgios, who returns after injuries restricted him to just one ATP Tour singles match in two years.
He and Djokovic are set to play doubles together.
Challenging Sabalenka on Pat Rafter Arena will be America’s top talents Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, ranked seven and eight respectively, along with former world number two Ons Jabeur and veteran Victoria Azarenka.
Sabalenka, who beat China’s high-flying Zheng Qinwen in the Melbourne final this year, had a sensational 2024 which culminated in being named WTA Player of Year this month.
The 26-year-old reached seven finals and won four titles, successfully defending the Australian Open, lifting her first US Open and winning WTA 1000 events in Cincinnati and Wuhan.
She also recaptured the number one ranking from five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek, whose reputation was rocked in November when it was revealed she tested positive for a banned heart medication in August.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency accepted that the violation was not intentional, and the Polish star escaped with a one-month sanction.
Sinner awaits verdict
Swiatek called it “the worst experience of my life”, but vowed: “I know I will be stronger than ever.”
