Former ATP legend Roger Federer has picked Novak Djokovic among the favorites for next year's Australian Open because the Serbian has demonstrated the ability to win as demonstrated in the Olympics.
For the vast majority of this season, Djokovic didn’t look like a serious Grand Slam contender. While he played well at all of the majors, excluding the US Open, the Serbian didn’t show the level needed to win.
He came the closest to winning at Wimbledon, reaching the final, but Carlos Alcaraz easily beat him. His Roland Garros campaign looked solid as well, but he didn’t win due to a knee injury, which forced him to withdraw from the event.
He ultimately got that revenge two months later when he returned for the Paris Olympics, which were played on those same courts. Djokovic played a great event to make the final and, in the final, beat Alcaraz to win the Olympic gold.
It was the best Djokovic had played all year long, and many use that performance as proof that he still has what it takes. It's true he does, but he wasn't able to find it at the US Open, which again raised some suspicion about whether he will be able to win a major again.
His former rival Federer has no doubts about it. Speaking about his former rivals Rafael Nadal and Djokovic ahead of the 2024 Laver Cup, the Swiss ace said that he doesn't know what could happen with Nadal, as he played very little this year.
When it comes to Djokovic, Federer is certain that the Serbian will be competitive also during the upcoming season, given his recent performances.
"With Rafa we don't know -- it remains to be seen. It's hard for me to make a prediction on Rafa because of the little tennis he has played this year."
"Novak, winning the Olympics and playing somewhat let's say a full season -- he didn't bow out because of injuries, he chose to play less which is normal when you get a bit older. I feel like he has chances moving forward."
The Australian Open is generally a very followed Grand Slam because it's the first one of the year, and it sets the tone. Depending on how things go there, many draw conclusions about what might happen in the following months.
This year, Jannik Sinner won it, and it set the tone for the rest of the year. He became World No. 1 later in the year and is still holding that ranking after winning the US Open recently.
Time will tell whether next year’s Australian Open will set the tone for the 2025 season, but Federer is looking forward to it, naming his former rival as one of the favorites to win it.
"I look forward to Australia which is the next Slam. I think he's definitely going to be one of the favourites along with Sinner and Alcaraz. I think the Australian Open story will be a very cool one to follow."
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