Djokovic Reveals Injury Status: ‘I’m Not Worried’

Novak Djokovic has returned to action for the first time since the Australian Open, but the biggest news is not just about his victory on the court—it’s about his injury status.

The Serbian superstar teamed up with Fernando Verdasco to secure a dominant 6-1, 6-1 doubles victory over Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. However, the most significant takeaway from his appearance was his health update, following the injury that forced him to withdraw from his Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev.

“I don’t feel any pain, so I’ve had a great 10 days of training, and the past three days here in Doha have gone really well,” Djokovic told the media. “Playing doubles today was obviously different from a singles match, but it’s still a match where I had to move dynamically on the court and test my body. I feel great, so I have no concerns at all.”

Djokovic Confident in His Recovery Process

Djokovic is known for his resilience in overcoming injuries, but this time, the challenge was significant. After withdrawing from the Australian Open 2025, he revealed that he had suffered a muscle tear, an injury that was too severe to continue playing through.

“My primary focus has been on recovering from the muscle tear that I suffered,” Djokovic explained. “I’ve recovered well, and then I gradually started training again. Over the past 10 days, I’ve been practicing tennis and working on my fitness. I also spent some time with my family back home before coming here to compete.”

Djokovic’s return to Doha marks his first appearance at the tournament since 2019. The Serbian has fond memories of competing at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, where he has won two titles and holds an impressive 15-2 record, according to the ATP Infosys Win/Loss Index.

“I’ve always enjoyed being here,” Djokovic said. “This tournament used to take place in the first week of the season, just before the Australian Open, so it was always a great opportunity for us to prepare before heading to Melbourne.”

Djokovic Chasing His 100th ATP Title

At the Qatar Open, Djokovic is aiming to reach a major career milestone—his 100th ATP title. As of now, he has already claimed 99 titles, including:
– 24 Grand Slam championships
– 40 ATP Masters 1000 titles
– 7 Nitto ATP Finals trophies

Despite his already legendary resume, Djokovic remains hungry for more success. He admitted that even after all these years, he still feels the same nervous excitement before every match.

“I always feel butterflies before every match. I get nervous, I get excited, and that’s a good sign,” Djokovic said. “After all these years of competing on the tour and everything I’ve accomplished, I still feel this way, and I still get anxious.”

According to Djokovic, this excitement is proof of his passion for the sport.

“It’s a positive sign because it means I still care. I hope that my active career continues to have a positive impact on the tennis ecosystem as a whole. I like to believe that I’m helping inspire younger generations to watch tennis, pick up a racket, and get involved in the sport in any way possible.”

Opening Match Against Matteo Berrettini

In his first singles match at the Qatar Open, Djokovic will face Matteo Berrettini, the former World No. 6. Djokovic has a 4-0 record against Berrettini on the ATP Tour, but he still acknowledges the threat posed by the Italian player.

“He’s a very strong player—big serve, big forehand, great shots. He brings a lot of power into his game,” Djokovic said. “I know his style well, but this is not an ideal first-round matchup for me.”

Despite the challenge, Djokovic believes that facing a high-caliber opponent early in the tournament could be beneficial.

“In a way, it’s good for me because it forces me to be fully locked in from the first point of the first match. There’s no room for mistakes.”

Can Djokovic Maintain His Dominance?

As Djokovic makes his return, the tennis world is closely watching to see whether he can maintain his dominance despite the growing challenges posed by age and injuries. At 37 years old, Djokovic is still among the top contenders in every tournament he enters, but there’s no denying that his body is not as resilient as it was in his 20s.

The Qatar Open, Indian Wells Masters, and Miami Open will all be critical in determining whether Djokovic can continue adding to his legacy or if he will begin facing greater resistance from the younger generation of stars.

Although his injury at the Australian Open was a setback, his ability to recover quickly and return to competition shows that he is far from done. Djokovic has repeatedly defied expectations throughout his career, and many believe that his competitive fire still burns just as intensely as ever.

With the 100th ATP title milestone within reach, Djokovic has every reason to push forward. His fans around the world eagerly anticipate his next performances, wondering:

Will he prove once again why he is one of the greatest players of all time? Or will the next generation of tennis stars finally start closing the gap?

One thing is certain—Novak Djokovic is not ready to step aside just yet. His fight continues, and the tennis world is watching.

The Legacy Continues: What’s Next for Novak Djokovic?

As Novak Djokovic sets his sights on the Qatar Open, Indian Wells Masters, and Miami Open, the conversation surrounding his career is no longer just about how many titles he can win, but rather how much longer he can maintain his dominance. At 37, he remains one of the most formidable forces in the sport, but the reality of age and injuries is something even the greatest athletes cannot escape.

Over the past two decades, Djokovic has established himself as one of the most adaptable and resilient players in tennis history. Unlike many of his peers who relied primarily on raw power or physical endurance, Djokovic’s strength lies in his strategic intelligence, mental toughness, and ability to adjust his game depending on his opponents and playing conditions. This versatility has allowed him to stay ahead of younger, physically explosive players who continue to rise through the ranks.