Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is poised to make a commanding return to the ATP Tour at the 2025 Madrid Open, armed with a renewed sense of purpose and a familiar face back in his coaching corner. After a challenging start to the season marked by injury setbacks and unexpected defeats, the Serbian legend has reunited with former rival and three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray, signaling a bold statement of intent as he chases his 100th career title and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam at Roland Garros later this year. The announcement of his coaching team, coupled with glimpses of his rigorous preparation, has set the tennis world abuzz with anticipation.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. Early exits in Qatar, Indian Wells, and a “horrible” straight-sets loss to Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte Carlo Masters exposed rare vulnerabilities, compounded by a nagging leg injury and an eye infection that hindered his play. “I don’t know. I have it and I don’t have it,” Djokovic said cryptically after his Monte Carlo defeat, reflecting his frustration with inconsistent form. Yet, flashes of brilliance—such as his semi-final run at the Australian Open, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz before retiring against Alexander Zverev due to injury, and a runner-up finish to Jakub Mensik at the Miami Open—proved the 37-year-old still possesses the firepower to dominate.
The Madrid Open, where Djokovic is seeded fourth behind Alcaraz, Zverev, and Taylor Fritz, marks a pivotal moment. The Serbian, a three-time champion in the Spanish capital (2011, 2016, 2019), has not competed there since 2022, often prioritizing Roland Garros preparation over the high-altitude clay event. This year, however, he’s all in, driven by a desire to fine-tune his game and silence doubters. “There’s no doubt it has become more difficult throughout my career, but the performances in Miami, when I’m playing that way, it gives me more inspiration to keep going,” Djokovic said, referencing his Miami final where he pushed the 19-year-old Mensik to two tiebreaks despite battling an eye issue and a slippery court.
Central to Djokovic’s resurgence is his coaching setup. After parting ways with longtime coach Goran Ivanisevic, Djokovic stunned the tennis world by enlisting Murray at the start of 2025. The partnership, born from years of fierce rivalry, has already yielded dividends, particularly in Djokovic’s serving precision, with his first-serve percentage soaring to a career-high 69% this season. Murray’s absence at Monte Carlo, where Djokovic’s brother Marko stepped in, was a planned break, with the Scot focusing on family and, as Djokovic quipped, “working on his golf swing.” Now, Murray is back, bringing tactical acumen and a shared competitive spirit. “I was thinking about who I want, if I want to have anybody besides my fitness coach and physio,” Djokovic explained earlier this season, noting the emotional boost of having trusted allies like Murray in his camp.
Djokovic’s preparation has been meticulous. Spotted training at full tilt in Marbella, he appeared sharp and injury-free, moving fluidly on clay and hammering forehands with trademark intensity. The Madrid Open’s official social media captured him practicing on-site, greeted with a warm welcome from organizers. His focus is palpable, as he aims to become only the third man in the Open Era, after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, to reach 100 ATP titles. “I have some gas left in the tank,” Djokovic declared, a reminder of his enduring hunger despite a season without a Tour-level title since his 2023 US Open triumph.
The Madrid draw promises challenges, with potential clashes against top seeds like Alcaraz, fresh off a Monte Carlo title, or Zverev, a two-time Madrid champion. Djokovic’s path is further complicated by the altitude in Madrid, which quickens ball speed and demands precise shot-making. Yet, his history of overcoming adversity—evidenced by his Olympic gold in 2024, completing a career Golden Slam—suggests he’s ready to rise to the occasion.
As the clay season unfolds, Djokovic’s reunion with Murray and his relentless drive position him as a formidable contender. With the French Open looming, where a 25th Grand Slam would break his tie with Margaret Court for the all-time record, Madrid is more than a tournament—it’s a proving ground. The tennis world watches eagerly, wondering if the Serbian maestro can reclaim his throne.