Novak Djokovic's legacy ensures he is never dismissed, especially not at the Australian Open.
However, the challenge he faces in Melbourne has become steeper with each passing season.
The Serb will compete Down Under 21 years after debuting in 2005 as a qualifier. According to his former rival, Mischa Zverev, the key difference lies in raw pace.
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Novak remains tactically brilliant and mentally formidable. While we should never count him off, the speed and physical intensity brought by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner currently set them apart.
The difference becomes even more evident in the latter stages of Major tournaments after two demanding weeks of competition. Djokovic reached all four Major semi-finals in 2025, which is a remarkable feat at 38.
The legend still possesses the experience to navigate deep runs and capitalize on tight moments. However, the cumulative miles on his body can not be ignored, as we saw in the season behind us.
More importantly, that physical edge increasingly favors the younger generation in the best-of-five encounters. They arrive to the latter stages fresher and faster, which provides a crucial difference.
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Per Zverev, Sinner and Alcaraz are the favorites in Melbourne. His brother Alexander is the first chaser, and the draws opens up after that. How much there is left for Novak to grab, we will find out in a couple of weeks.
Djokovic will be among the oldest players in the Australian Open draw. He has won ten titles at Melbourne Park between 2008 and 2023 before reaching the semi-final in 2024 and 2025.
"With Novak, you can still feel that something is missing. Perhaps the pace, which is currently a bit higher with Carlos and Jannik. In the final stages of Majors or Masters 1000 events, you should never rule out Novak.
But his body clearly plays a role. He has a few more kilometers under his belt. Carlos and Jannik are ahead of everyone else, with Alexander following them. Behind, it's wide open," Mischa Zverev said.
