The tennis world is abuzz with worry over the physical state of Serbian titan, Novak Djokovic, following his recent injury at the 2025 Australian Open. Despite suffering a left thigh injury during the tournament, Djokovic, a legend of the tennis world and former world No.1, returned to the court this week in Doha. However, recent events have sparked concerns over whether he has fully recovered.
In Melbourne Park, Djokovic had impressively defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals before being forced to withdraw from his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev due to his injury. Many expected a longer hiatus from the sport, but the 37-year-old Serbian was back on the court in Doha.
However, his performance in the first-round match against Matteo Berrettini raised eyebrows. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion chasing his 100th career title and third win in Qatar, displayed a solid performance in the first set. Yet, a disconcerting decline in the tiebreak and a shaky second set that ultimately led to Berrettini’s victory has left fans and analysts questioning his readiness for competitive play.
Adding to the concern, Djokovic, who has partnered with his friend Fernando Verdasco for the doubles tournament in Doha, was seen limping in a video captured by ‘AS’ as he made his way to Doha airport. This has ignited speculation about his fitness, especially as he is slated to participate in the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami in the coming months.
Former WTA star Andrea Petkovic voiced her apprehensions in an interview with ‘TennisUpToDate’. “He practiced quite well in Doha before the match against Matteo Berrettini, but he didn’t find those sensations on the court and it showed,” she stated.
Petkovic pointed out that recovery from an injury often involves a struggle to regain rhythm, which could explain Djokovic’s performance in Doha. Despite expressing concern over his physical well-being, Petkovic remains confident in Djokovic’s skill level. She emphasized that his performance at the Australian Open demonstrated that he can still be a formidable contender at the highest level of tennis.
As Djokovic’s fans and the tennis world at large anxiously await his next moves, the consensus remains: his health is paramount. The former world No.1’s ability to recover and return to his peak form will be a key narrative in the coming months of tennis.