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“Novak has always craved the affection that’s been shown to Federer and Nadal” : Tim Henman Novak Djokovic is undoubtedly among the greatest ever tennis players of all time. The Serbian has claimed 24 Grand Slam titles in his career, and is just one major away from creating history again. The veteran had to withdraw from the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open after losing the first set against Alexander Zverev. The Serbian was struggling with a hamstring injury. The crowd at the Rod Laver Arena were pretty baffled with this decision, and booed the 10 time Australian Open champion. This has received widespread criticism over the past couple of weeks. However, former British tennis player Tim Henman believes that the reaction of the Australian crowd was unjust for the Serbian. “I think the fans got it totally wrong,” he told the Express. “For someone who is going for their 11th Australian Open title, their 25th slam, to pull out after a set, he’s obviously in a bad way. For him to be booed in that moment is pretty indefensible.” Novak Djokovic had also defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, batting through an injury. He would have backed his chances to go on and win his 11th title in Melbourne if not for his untimely injury. “He’s probably attracted that” : Tim Henman on the criticism received from the Serbian Tim Henman believes that Novak Djokovic does not deserve the criticism he often gets from the fans. However, he believes that the Serbian does tend to attract some of the critics due to his off court antics. More, the Briton feels that Novak Djokovic has always craved to be admired as much as the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. However, Tim Henman believes that most of the fans do not like Novak Djokovic pushing the boundary a little too much at times. “I’m not on social media, but what I hear goes on with him and his fans, it’s chaos, isn’t it?” he said. “And there have been times when he’s probably attracted that. But he absolutely doesn’t deserve to be booed off court after he’s had to retire.” “I think if you dig a bit deeper, in my opinion, he’s always craved the affection that’s been shown to Federer and Nadal. And some people, I guess, don’t like that, that he behaves in that way,” Henman added. Going strictly by the stats, Tim Henman stated that there was no denying that Novak Djokovic was the best in the class. “But that whole thing isn’t really my scene. You look at what he’s achieved, you look at almost every stat and he’s the best in all of them. He’s phenomenal.” Novak Djokovic’s return date to the court is still uncertain. The extent of his injury is yet to be determined, and we will only have an update in the next couple of weeks. However, we can expect the Serbian to be back in action by the Sunshine Double Tournaments in March 2025. Also Read: “I like the comparison between Novak being injured and beating Carlos” : Patrick Mouratoglou draws interesting parallel between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner

“Don’t tell him when to quit” : Jimmy Connors backs Novak Djokovic despite Australian Open injury Jimmy Connors has backed former world number one Novak Djokovic to continue fighting amidst question marks over his future. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had to retire after losing the first set to Alexander Zverev in the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open. Novak Djokovic has injured his left hamstring which could keep him out of action for several weeks. However, Jimmy Connors believes that the Serbian should not be asked to retire, given the hunger he has shown throughout his career. The former American tennis player applauds the Serb’s fighting spirit, and will continue to root for him. Given that the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray have all retired, Novak Djokovic remains the only active member of the Big Four on the ATP Tour. “And I look at him and I root for him, you know, I rooted for him because I liked his game. I like the way he played…And I rooted for him then and I’m rooting for him now,” Connors said. Despite being in the final stage of his career, Jimmy Connors believes that the Serb gives it his all on the court. “I’m all for a guy who’s willing to go out there and do whatever it takes still, to still put it on the line and go for it.“ Jimmy Connors roots for Novak Djokovic amidst calls for retirement Jimmy Connors believes that Novak Djokovic would know the right time to call it a day, and does not need others asking him to retire. “You know, don’t tell him when to quit. He’ll know when to quit, you know, and when to move on. The others have, Federer did, Nadell has now, and Murray.” Jimmy Connors acknowledged that retirement would be a big decision for Novak Djokovic, given that he has served the sport so well for the past two decades. “But I will say one thing before we move on, Brett, that’s a tough decision, boy. You know, because, you know, for 20 years or whatever amount of years he’s done it, you know, all of a sudden to wake up one morning and say, what, it’s over? I don’t have to do, I’m not going to do that anymore. That’s a tough, tough day to wake up,” said Jimmy Connors. Novak Djokovic is expected to remain on the sidelines for several weeks, as there is no timeline set for his return to the tour. The Serbian had quite a run in Melbourne, before his injury worsened in the semifinals. He defeated the four-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz in four sets in the quarterfinals. The Serbian outplayed his rival on all fronts despite carrying an injury. Also Read: “The only thing that matters is a slam title” : Steve Johnson says nothing for more for Alexander Zverev than winning a Grand Slam in 2025

“It’s not as if he doesn’t know how to play tennis” : Andy Roddick not concerned with Novak Djokovic’s early exit in Brisbane Novak Djokovic was defeated in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Brisbane Open, as he kickstarted his season last week. The Serbian was defeated by Reilly Opelka in straight sets, as questions start to rise regarding his chances at the 2025 Australian Open. However, former American tennis player Andy Roddick was not too concerned with the Serb’s loss in Brisbane. He believes that Novak Djokovic would eventually be able to pick up big serves once he gets a couple of more matches in. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was out-served by Reilly Opelka last week in Brisbane. Andy Roddick also believes that Andy Murray joining Novak’s camp would prove to be a huge boost. The Briton has now joined his former rival in Australia, as the first Grand Slam of the year kicks off in a couple of days. “I’m not that concerned. If Novak gets his matches in, maybe he picks up one or two. The training and heat (in Australia) is not going to be bad for him. Andy Murray’s (his coach) done skiing. He’s going to go down to Australia and they’re going to be together. I’m not super alarmed for Novak. It’s not as if he doesn’t know how to play tennis,” said Roddick on Served with Andy Roddick podcast. “I think the best of five format favors Novak over everyone” : Andy Roddick Andy Roddick further added that he would more concerned if Novak Djokovic had not lost to a huge server like Reilly Opelka. “I would be more stressed out if I was part of Novak’s team if he had lost to someone who wasn’t a huge server, someone who couldn’t take the racket out of your hands…someone who makes balls and Novak has a weird loss. I’m not too concerned about it,” Roddick said. Andy Roddick also believes that Novak Djokovic has the edge over most of his rivals when it comes to playing five sets. The American stated that Djokovic had the physical and mental ability to withstand the pressure of a five-setter at Grand Slams, backed by his enormous experience. Andy Roddick further added that Novak Djokovic will be tough to beat at the 2025 Australian Open, given that he has won the title here on 10 occasions already. Moreover, he opined that the loss to Reilly Opelka in Brisbane would not be playing on his mind too much, as the Serbian begins his quest to win his 25th major title. Also Read: “The only thing that matters is a slam title” : Steve Johnson says nothing for more for Alexander Zverev than winning a Grand Slam in 2025

“I’m probably going to have to step back a few steps for that first serve” : Novak Djokovic on facing Reilly Opelka in Brisbane quarterfinals Novak Djokovic has cruised into the quarterfinals of the Brisbane Open following his straight sets victory over Gael Monfils on Thursday. The Serbian extended his dominance over the Frenchman with his victory, as the head to head now stands at 20-0. Novak Djokovic was delighted to have his entire family in Australia this time around, as he starts his bid to claim an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title. The 37-year-old defeated Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 to setup a quarterfinal clash with Reilly Opelka. Novak Djokovic was wary about the threat Reilly Opelka brings, given that he is among the biggest serves in the game. He stated that both of them share a very friendly relationship off court, as they lock horns for the first time in their career on Friday. “It’s a first time for me to have my family ‘down under’; it’s a very long trip, but they came here to be with me and support me, and we’re spending a lot of quality time off the court together. My heart is full, and it allows me to play my best tennis,” said Djokovic. “We have some big servers in the tournament. Super tall guys. They could have been top-class basketball players if they’d chosen to do that. Incredible strength and power. Opelka has been injured; a couple of years he has struggled a lot. A great guy off the court, we get along very well. I don’t know if we’ve ever faced each other.“ Novak Djokovic wary of Reilly Opelka’s threat in the quarterfinals Novak Djokovic joked that he would have to step back on Reilly Opelka’s serve, given the pace and bounce he is able to generate. The Serbian hopes to continue his good form, and secure a win over the American. “This is going to be the first encounter. My gosh, I’m probably going to have to step back a few steps for that first serve. Completely different match-up to the one I had tonight. I’ll do my best to get ready and hopefully get a win.” Novak Djokovic is seeded first in Brisbane, and is the favorite to win the title this week. However, he will have to face some tricky opponents on his way to the title. Reilly Opelka has also been in good form this week, securing a straight sets victory over Matteo Arnaldi in the last 16 clash. The American won both the sets in a tiebreaker, serving 25 aces in the match. Novak Djokovic has appointed his former rival Andy Murray as his new coach for the upcoming season. The Briton is expected to join his camp in the week before the 2025 Australian Open. The duo have played some spectacular tennis in Melbourne over the course of their respective careers, and only time will tell if Murray’s experience can help the Serbian in winning his 25th major title. Also Read: “The only thing that matters is a slam title” : Steve Johnson says nothing for more for Alexander Zverev than winning a Grand Slam in 2025