Sania Mirza Warns Australian Open Contenders: 'Nobody Wants to Face Djokovic in the Quarterfinals'

The Australian Open 2025 main draw is set to begin on Sunday, and all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic as he aims to secure a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne. The Serbian star will kick off his campaign against Indian-origin American tennis player Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round.

Djokovic, who failed to win a single Grand Slam last year, did claim the Olympic gold in Paris, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Ahead of the Australian Open, Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza offered a warning to title contenders like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report.

Photo Credit: PTI

"It's probably the last couple of years we're going to watch him play. To be honest, it's going to be a problem for the title contenders," Mirza said as per the HT report. "Nobody wants to face Novak in the quarterfinals; they'd rather face him in the final. He's going in with a great situation where the pressure is off him."

Currently ranked World No. 7, Djokovic is aiming for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. With 99 singles titles to his name, including 72 big titles, 24 majors, 40 Masters, and an Olympic gold, he continues to cement his place in tennis history. Djokovic is the only male player to achieve a triple Career Grand Slam and a Career Golden Masters, a feat he has completed twice.

The 37-year-old is also the only player to have clinched all the major titles and has completed a Career Super Slam. His journey to Melbourne has not been without controversy. In 2022, Djokovic faced a turbulent time when he was detained upon arrival in Melbourne for the Grand Slam, as he did not meet vaccination requirements for entry into the country. After two stints in a quarantine hotel, he was deported. However, Djokovic has since returned to Australia and went on to win the Australian Open that same year.