Australian Open 2026: Novak Djokovic’s chances of 25th Grand Slam title opening up – but same problems remain

Increasingly, it feels like a case of “now or never” for Novak Djokovic.

The longer time ticks on, the less likely it is that 38-year-old Djokovic will claim the elusive 25th Grand Slam title he so dearly craves.

If he is going to move clear of Australia’s Margaret Court in terms of all-time major victories, the smart money goes on Djokovic doing it at Melbourne Park.

History shows how much he loves the place. Djokovic has lifted a record 10 men’s titles at the Australian Open and, overall, won 102 of his 112 matches on Melbourne’s hard courts.

Given that body of work, his fans are starting to believe the stars are aligning – with several reasons enhancing that belief in recent days.

Firstly, fourth seed Djokovic had a narrow escape when he recklessly cracked a ball close to a ball girl during his third-round win over Botic van de Zandschulp.

Djokovic admitted afterwards he was “lucky”. Had the ball struck the girl, he would almost certainly have been defaulted and seen another attempt at number 25 aborted by his own carelessness.

Secondly, Djokovic was handed a walkover on Sunday following injured opponent Jakub Mensik’s withdrawal from their last-16 match.

For some players, going three days without a match can leave them cold.

Given Djokovic’s advancing years and ability to find his best form without playing regularly, it feels like a bonus heading into Wednesday’s quarter-final.

Feeling fresher by playing a match fewer than future opponents – Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, then potentially Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner – could be crucial.

Thirdly, Djokovic knows his aura – as well as his game – has overawed Musetti in the past, ensuring he remains the favourite to reach the last four.

Italian fifth seed Musetti has lost nine of his 10 matches against Djokovic, admitting he has not been “clinical or cold enough” in the past.