As the 2025 Australian Open heats up, one name remains a constant headline: Novak Djokovic. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has long been regarded as one of the greatest tennis players to ever grace the sport, but as the tournament progresses, a more worrying narrative is unfolding around the Serbian superstar. For the second consecutive day, Djokovic has missed crucial practice sessions, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate about his physical condition ahead of his upcoming matches.
The Australian Open, which has become a near-fortress for Djokovic, is no stranger to drama—whether it’s the 10 titles the Serbian has claimed at Melbourne Park or the countless comebacks he’s made from various injuries. However, this year’s edition carries a unique level of concern. With just a few days left before his next match, Djokovic’s absence from practice has raised serious questions about his fitness and whether he can overcome yet another physical hurdle.
### The Injury That Keeps on Giving
The injury in question, which Djokovic first reported earlier in the tournament, seems to be a continuation of issues that have plagued him in recent years. While the exact nature of the injury has not been fully disclosed by Djokovic’s team, it is widely speculated to be related to his ongoing back and knee problems—conditions that have affected his performance at various points in the past.
Djokovic, known for his meticulous fitness routine and incredible physical durability, had hoped that his body would hold up during this Australian Open. In the first few rounds, his game appeared as sharp as ever. He dispatched his early opponents with relative ease, but as the tournament progressed, the signs of discomfort became more evident. Djokovic struggled with his movement, frequently grimacing after certain shots, and during his post-match interviews, he alluded to a tightening of the muscles, specifically in his back.
His team and support staff have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to try and manage the issue, but missing practice for two consecutive days just days before a high-stakes match suggests that the situation may be more serious than initially thought.
### The Importance of Practice in Djokovic’s Preparation
For Djokovic, practice is not merely a routine—it’s a critical part of his preparation and mental focus. While many players can afford to skip a few practice sessions without suffering much consequence, Djokovic’s game is built on precision, timing, and an almost obsessive attention to detail. His ability to execute the perfect backhand down the line, move efficiently around the court, and return serve with surgical precision all require hours of consistent practice. Missing these sessions means missing out on vital hours of refining his game in the exact conditions he will face in competition.
In previous years, Djokovic’s physical condition has often been his biggest obstacle at the Australian Open. After a grueling 2024 season, where he played through multiple injuries and physical challenges, this year’s Australian Open was seen as a fresh start—a chance to prove once again that, despite his age, he can still dominate on the court. However, his failure to practice suggests that the demands of the tour have finally caught up to him.
While some players might choose to rest and recover ahead of important matches, the lack of practice sessions often leads to a loss of rhythm, and with Djokovic’s meticulous attention to his physical state, skipping practice could impact his form more than it would for other players.
### What Does This Mean for Djokovic’s Title Hopes?
As of now, the main question surrounding Djokovic’s Australian Open campaign is whether he can physically hold up to the rigors of the tournament. At 37 years old, the physical toll of playing in his 25th Grand Slam is significant. Even for someone as fit and dedicated as Djokovic, the intense demands of the Australian Open—especially the grueling matches in the Melbourne summer heat—are bound to take a toll.
The missed practices are likely to affect his confidence, as much as his physicality. Djokovic thrives on preparation and mental clarity, and any doubts about his fitness will likely weigh on him during crucial moments. That being said, Djokovic is renowned for his ability to rise to the occasion. Throughout his career, he has often delivered his best tennis when the odds are stacked against him. Even when injured, he’s managed to overcome pain and adversity to lift titles and achieve historic feats.
However, this year might be different. With his body showing signs of wear and tear, Djokovic faces an uphill battle to maintain his bid for a 25th Grand Slam. He has been able to power through injuries before, but there’s no denying that the cumulative effect of years of elite-level tennis may be catching up with him. The prospect of facing opponents like Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, or even his fellow countryman, Miomir Kecmanovic, in the later rounds will demand every ounce of his physical and mental resilience.
### The Pressing Question: Will Djokovic Play?
As of now, Djokovic’s team has yet to officially confirm whether he will be fit enough to play in his upcoming match. The decision will likely be made on the morning of the match itself, with Djokovic’s physical condition assessed in the hours leading up to the encounter. Given his history of comebacks, it is entirely possible that the world’s most successful male tennis player will push through the pain to take to the court.
But this is a delicate balancing act. Djokovic’s well-being is at the forefront of his decision-making. While the 24-time Grand Slam champion is known for his incredible mental strength, he is also intelligent enough to know when it’s time to preserve his body for the long term. If he does decide to play, there’s no doubt that his team will have worked out strategies to minimize his discomfort, with massage therapy, physical therapy, and even psychological techniques designed to help him manage any pain during matches.
If Djokovic is forced to withdraw from the tournament, it would undoubtedly be a major shock, both for him and for the tennis world. At this stage in his career, every Grand Slam is an opportunity to add to his legacy, and missing out on a shot at a 25th major title would be a bitter disappointment. Still, his health is paramount, and given his injury history, a premature exit may be the prudent choice if the pain becomes too great.
### What Can We Expect from Djokovic Moving Forward?
If Djokovic manages to play, his performance will likely be determined not only by his skill but by how well he is able to manage his body during matches. The injury that forced him to miss practice could affect his mobility and stamina, two key elements of his game that have been crucial to his success over the years. His ability to return serve with accuracy, rally from the baseline, and produce his signature defensive skills could be hindered if he is not physically prepared.
On the other hand, if Djokovic chooses to withdraw, the tennis world will be left to ponder what could have been. But Djokovic’s legacy is already secure. His career is one of the most decorated in tennis history, and his determination, resilience, and adaptability in the face of injury have defined much of his success. Even if this Australian Open is not to be, his career will continue to inspire players and fans for years to come.
### Conclusion
As Novak Djokovic battles with injury ahead of the 2025 Australian Open semi-finals, the road ahead is filled with uncertainty. The missed practice sessions are a clear indication that his body may be under more strain than anyone anticipated, and the concern is mounting among fans and pundits alike. However, if anyone has proven time and again that they can rise to the occasion in the face of adversity, it is Djokovic.
As he enters the next phase of his career, the 2025 Australian Open is another chapter in a remarkable legacy. Whether or not he can overcome his physical challenges and continue his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam will depend not just on his tennis ability, but on his incredible mental fortitude—the very trait that has made Djokovic the dominant force he is today.