Djokovic unsure of Australian Open return

Australian Open 2025

Date: 23 January Venue: Melbourne Park

Coverage: Live radio commentary on Tennis Breakfast on BBC 5 Sports Extra, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app

Novak Djokovic says he will return to the Australian Open next year if he is still "fit, healthy and motivated".

The 37-year-old Serb, aiming for a record-extending 11th men's singles title, retired injured from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev on Friday.

He raised both thumbs in the air towards the 15,000 fans as he left Rod Laver Arena - which he has often described as his "second home".

Asked if it might be his final appearance at Melbourne Park, Djokovic said. "I don't know. There is a chance. Who knows? I'll just have to see how the season goes.

"I want to keep going. But whether I'm going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I'm not sure."

It is the second successive year that Djokovic has lost in the Melbourne semi-finals.

Djokovic has stripped back his schedule in recent seasons and prioritised being ready for the biggest tournaments - namely the four Grand Slams.

The former world number one continues to seek a 25th Slam to move clear of Australia's Margaret Court, who won 24 women's singles titles between 1960 and 1973.

The Australian Open is where Djokovic has enjoyed most of Grand Slam success followed by Wimbledon, where he has won seven titles.

He has also won three French Open and four US Open titles.

"I normally like to come to Australia to play," seventh seed Djokovic added.

"I've had the biggest success in my career here. So if I'm fit, healthy, motivated, I don't see a reason why I wouldn't come.

"But there's always a chance [it is the last time]."

Djokovic has been coached by long-time playing rival Andy Murray in Melbourne and says he does not yet know if the trial partnership will continue.

Murray, also 37, retired in August last year and joined Djokovic's team in November.

"We are both disappointed with what just happened, so we didn't talk about the future," Djokovic said.

"I'll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me.

"I'll give him my feedback, which is positive, and see how he feels and we will make the next step."