Djokovic announces return to action in Doha

The Serb was forced to retire with injury in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January

Novak Djokovic retires with injury at the 2025 Australian Open © Zuma / Psnewz

February 10, 2025

Novak Djokovic has announced he is fit enough to return to competitive tennis later this month.

After a muscle tear in his left thigh, which forced him to retire in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, the Serb is already very close to being back to 100% and is therefore ready to play Doha, which starts on February 17, as he announced to Montenegrin newspaper, Vijesti.

“There is no longer a muscle tear. The injury is almost 100% healed and I’m ready to go for more victories,” Djokovic said.

“I have the green light from the medical team to be able to train, to prepare. The Doha tournament is on the bill in seven days, and I am sticking to the planned schedule,” he continued.

“Thank God I was able to recover quickly. I’ve had a few more injuries lately compared to the first fifteen years of my career. It probably comes with age, but my body still supports me well and I still have a flame inside.”

100th title remains the goal

A two-time winner of the Qatar Open – in 2016 and 2017 – the 37-year-old will be aiming for the 100th title of his career, a goal he has restated as being one of his main motivators.

“I hope I can win this 100th trophy now in Doha. I’ve been chasing it for a while, since last October. But we’ll see, it will come when it comes,” the Serb added.

This is not good news for the rest of the Doha field. The last time Djokovic came back from injury was after Roland-Garros last year. Recovering from his right meniscus injury, the former world No 1 then swiftly reached a Wimbledon final and won an Olympic title.

In Doha, however, Djokovic will likely have to battle against Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, all of whom are expected to be in the draw.