Novak Djokovic eyes Doha return and says injury ‘almost 100% repaired’

Novak Djokovic suffered a thigh injury at the Australian Open (Adam Davy/PA)

Novak Djokovic has revealed the thigh injury which forced him out of the Australian Open has “almost 100% repaired” and he plans to return in Doha next week.

The Serbian’s bid for a record 25th grand slam title was prematurely halted in Melbourne last month when he had to retire after losing the first set of the semi-final to Alexander Zverev.

But Djokovic, still one short of a 100th career ATP title, is on the entry list for next week’s Qatar Open and has been given the go-ahead to play by his medical team.

Tried to recover for today’s match but I could only push so far. Nevertheless, positives to take out of this year’s Aus Open. Congratulations to @AlexZverev for making another GS final. I wish you to win the title because you deserve it, my friend 💪🙌 pic.twitter.com/BZPyQqPk6R

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 24, 2025

“There is no more rupture in the muscle, the injury is almost 100% repaired and I am ready to go to work for more victories,” the 37-year-old told Montenegrin newspaper Vijesti.

“I have the green light from the medical team that I can train, that I can prepare.

“The tournament in Doha is scheduled for seven days now so I’m sticking to the schedule.

I hope that the 100th trophy can come to Doha right now. I've been chasing it for a long time

“Thank God, I was able to recover quickly. I’ve had more injuries lately than I did in the first 15 years of my career.

“This probably comes with age, but my body still listens to me, I still have a burning flame and a desire to achieve new things.

“I hope that the 100th trophy can come to Doha right now. I’ve been chasing it for a long time – it will come when it should come.”

Djokovic made no mention of whether he will continue to work with Andy Murray after his one-time rival joined his coaching team in Melbourne.