As the 2024 season approaches, tennis players have seen their short off-season curtailed to prepare for the rigours of the tour once more and some even will play days after Christmas.
Novak Djokovic is one of those.
His early 2024 schedule has been confirmed as he looks to defend his
Australian Open title at the end of January. Not one for playing warm-ups, it is a similar stint down under this time for the 24-time Grand Slam champion as he looks to begin his quest for number 25 as well as on a broader sense, the Golden Slam.
Clash with Alcaraz kicks off preparation
Djokovic is currently over in Dubai practicing and will have his protege and Next Gen ATP Finals champion, Hamad Medjedovic on hand to help him over the coming weeks to prepare. This for the last clash of the season between the Serbian and his current rival, Carlos Alcaraz.
As part of Riyadh Season, he will play an exhibition match in the Middle East against the Spaniard. Ons Jabeur and Aryna Sabalenka will also do battle as part of the set of matches and it forms part of the end of year in which many of the top names will head to that part of the world.
For instance, the World Tennis League featuring Daniil Medvedev, Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka will take place this week in the run-up to Christmas as they team up to face off against each other. This forms preparation for many for the opening tournament. One that Djokovic himself will play in.
Djokovic will represent Serbia in the United Cup which takes place between 29th December until 7th January. He will then have a week off instead of playing for instance Adelaide barring any sort of last minute form issues or anything needing ironing out. The Australian Open will then await between 14th - 28th January, 2024. A usual pre Grand Slam schedule for Djokovic albeit with more matches than usual for a player who usually shuns the warm-ups.