After the highs of the 2023 season, it has been a strange year for Novak Djokovic. Last year, Djokovic won 3 out of the 4 Grand Slam titles, apart from many other big trophies. However, this has been a near-empty season for the Serb, even though he won that elusive Olympic gold. Additionally, he suffered numerous injury setbacks due to which he was forced to end his season early. Amid poor performances this year, a renowned journalist, Benoit Maylin came to his rescue.

With Djokovic’s season done and dusted, he faced massive criticism on social media over his poor showing this year. However, Maylin reflected on Djokovic’s glamorous 2023 season and was hopeful about his strong comeback next year.

Maylin said, “We’re talking about Novak. And we tend to forget that in 2023, he was monstrous in winning three of the four Grand Slams, plus the Masters, which he hadn’t managed to do since 2015. This year, despite a knee operation, he wanted gold around his neck at all costs. And he did it. This Olympic title, which he had been chasing since 2008, drained him emotionally. He needed to recharge his batteries. Djokovic knows that his time is running out, he will be 38 on May 22. So he preferred to take a break to regenerate. And I bet you that he will be very dangerous again in 2025.”

Despite a barren run on the ATP Tour, Djokovic achieved his dream of winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. He defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the summit clash there to win one of the biggest titles of his illustrious career. As a result, Maylin feels that Djokovic still has the hunger left in him to succeed on the big stage.

Moreover, Djokovic himself admitted to go out all guns blazing next year. After ending his season early, he revealed his plans for the 2025 season.

Novak Djokovic on his upcoming season: ‘Tennis is still my focus’

During the latter half of this season, Djokovic suffered a knee injury which led him to withdraw from the ATP Finals and end his season early. However, at 37, he still has the fuel left in him to succeed as he displayed during his emotional Paris Olympics campaign. With retirement not on his mind at the moment, the Serb wants to continue winning titles next season.

During an interview earlier this month, he said, “Tennis is still my focus. I am going at full throttle in the off-season, we go for another ride. I just needed to recharge and refresh a bit after an exhausting year. I am going to play in the first week of the season, I am just not sure yet where. Then, of course, Australian Open. I would like to play the Davis Cup too, let’s see what happens.”

However, it remains to be seen how his body responds while playing continuously. This season, Djokovic played in only a handful of tournaments amid his injuries. Can the Serb come back strongly next season? Let us know your views in the comments below.