The tennis world braced for a lengthy Novak Djokovic absence, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion has defied expectations once again. After a left thigh injury forced him to retire in the 2025 Australian Open semifinals against Alexander Zverev, early reports suggested Djokovic would miss multiple tournaments and return only for the Monte Carlo Masters in April.
Now, in a dramatic twist, the Serbian legend is set to return far sooner than anticipated, making his comeback next week at the ATP 500 event in Doha.
From Injury Setback to Stunning Recovery—Djokovic’s Lightning-Fast Comeback
Djokovic’s injury—a torn left thigh muscle—was initially expected to sideline him for months. However, after undergoing intensive rehabilitation, the former World No. 1 has received medical clearance to resume full training and competitive play.
“There is no more rupture in the muscle, the injury is almost 100 percent repaired and I am ready to go for new victories,” Djokovic revealed in an interview with Vijesti before departing for Doha.
“I have the green light from the medical team that I can train and prepare. The tournament in Doha is scheduled for seven days now, so I’m sticking to the schedule. Thank God, I was able to recover quickly.”
Djokovic’s swift return is nothing short of remarkable, especially given the rigors of a physically demanding sport like tennis. His ability to recover at such an elite level cements his status as one of the most resilient athletes in sports history.
A Rivalry Turned Partnership—Djokovic and Andy Murray to Continue Working Together
Djokovic’s successful collaboration with Andy Murray during the Australian Open turned heads, with the former rivals working together in an unexpected coaching dynamic. Djokovic repeatedly praised Murray’s insights and openly expressed his desire to continue their partnership.
According to The Times, Murray won’t be present in Doha, but he is expected to rejoin Djokovic’s team at Indian Wells in March, a sign that their on-court chemistry could become a long-term coaching alliance.
What This Means for the Rest of 2025—Can Djokovic Dominate Again?
Despite his injury setback in Melbourne, Djokovic’s sensational performance against Carlos Alcaraz reminded the world that he still operates at an elite level, even at 37.
With Doha, Indian Wells, and Miami now back on his schedule, Djokovic has the perfect opportunity to build momentum ahead of the clay season—and silence any doubts about his ability to add more major titles to his collection.
Verdict: Djokovic’s Return is Bad News for the Competition
For a moment, tennis fans wondered if an extended layoff could slow down the Serbian superstar. Instead, he’s back sooner than expected and more motivated than ever.
With Doha marking his return, Murray potentially playing a bigger coaching role, and the Grand Slam season still ahead, Djokovic isn’t just back—he’s coming for more history.