Sports · Tennis · 8 hrs ago
Djokovic told three factors must align for 2027 Australian Open bid
Former coach Rick Macci says Djokovic needs three things to contend at the 2027 Australian Open in Melbourne.
The 39-year-old Serbian must have quicker matches, a favourable draw and beat either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, Macci says.
Djokovic has not won another Grand Slam since claiming three major titles in a season three years ago, though he reached two finals.
At the most recent Australian Open, he beat two-time defending champion Sinner in the semi-finals before losing to Alcaraz in the final.
Djokovic is ranked 12th after an inconsistent 2026 season, and that ranking could leave him facing top seeds early if they progress as expected.
He has lost six of his last seven matches against Sinner, while Alcaraz has won three of their last five meetings.
A win in Melbourne would give Djokovic a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title, moving him ahead of Margaret Court, with whom he shares the record.
Rick Macci says Novak Djokovic needs quicker matches, a favourable draw and a win over Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner to contend for the 2027 Australian Open title.
Macci said Djokovic cannot afford to play consecutive five-set matches at the tournament.
Djokovic is ranked world No 12 after an inconsistent 2026 season, according to Tennis365.
The article says Djokovic could face a top-eight seed in the fourth round and a top-four seed in the quarter-finals if the higher seeds progress as expected.
A 25th Grand Slam singles title would give Djokovic the record outright; he currently shares the all-time record with Margaret Court.
- Who
- Novak Djokovic, with former coach Rick Macci assessing his chances.
- What
- Macci says three factors must align for Djokovic to contend for the 2027 Australian Open title.
- When
- The 2027 Australian Open.
- Where
- Melbourne, Australia.
- Why
- Djokovic faces tougher competition and must manage his matches, benefit from a favourable draw and beat Alcaraz or Sinner.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals before losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Djokovic had an inconsistent campaign and was ranked world No 12, according to Tennis365.
Tennis365 published Macci’s assessment of Djokovic’s prospects for the 2027 Australian Open.
Macci says Djokovic would need quicker matches, a good draw and a win over Alcaraz or Sinner to contend.
- Djokovic's ranking
- World No 12
- Macci's conditions
- Quicker matches; a good draw; a win over Alcaraz or Sinner
- Djokovic's recent record against Sinner
- Lost six of his seven most recent matches
- Djokovic's recent record against Alcaraz
- Alcaraz won three of their five most recent meetings
- Grand Slam singles record
- Djokovic shares the all-time record with Margaret Court
- Potential title milestone
- A 25th Grand Slam singles title would put Djokovic clear of Court
What people are saying
Number one, he has to have quicker matches. He can’t go five sets at the Australian Open and then go another five sets. It’s not going to happen.
Number two, he needs to have a pretty good draw. And number three, he needs to beat Alcaraz or Sinner.
I don’t think it’s impossible, but it’s much tougher at the 2027 Australian Open than in 2026, because now people know they have a better chance against him; that’s important.