Novak Djokovic warms up with top-20 opponent ahead of the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic is back at the Australian Open, gearing up for his 21st appearance at the tournament.

He’s still chasing that 25th Grand Slam title, though he hasn’t added to his total since winning the US Open in 2023.

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Still, Djokovic hit another milestone before arriving in Melbourne, even if it’s not a major title.

There had been some question marks over Djokovic’s fitness after he pulled out of the Adelaide International, saying he wasn’t ready to compete yet.

But those worries seem to have eased a bit now that he’s been seen training ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam. It was also a chance for him to catch up with friend and fellow Serbian athlete Nikola Jokic ahead of his Australian Open opener against Alex de Minaur.

Djokovic joins Jiri Lehecka on Rod Laver Arena ahead of the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic’s preparations for the Australian Open have taken another step forward as he hit Rod Laver Arena less than a week before the tournament kicks off.

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The Serbian, who has won 10 of his 24 Grand Slam titles on this very court, was seen practising with world number 19 Jiri Lehecka.

There had been questions about his fitness after he withdrew from the Adelaide International, but nothing seemed out of place during his session in Melbourne.

It wasn’t just Djokovic coming into this session with concerns. Lehecka also started the year dealing with physical issues.

Lehecka had to retire from his match at the Brisbane International due to an ankle injury and then pulled out of Adelaide as well. However, it looks like he’s on the mend, as their practice was scheduled to last an hour and a half.

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Novak Djokovic once praised Jiri Lehecka before their match at the 2025 Australian Open

This isn’t the first time Djokovic and Lehecka have shared Rod Laver Arena, as they also met in the fourth round of last year’s tournament.

Before that match, Djokovic discussed Lehecka’s serve, noting that it was an overlooked part of his game.

“Lehecka has won Brisbane and is in really good form, winning comfortably his first three rounds here,” Djokovic said after his victory over Tomas Machac.

“For sure, another Czech player that I’m going to face that there are some similarities between him and Machac, I think. The Czech tennis school backhands are terrific. I mean, such solid backhands. Lehecka is one of the fittest guys on the tour, and I think his serve is underestimated. He’s a big weapon. Wins a lot of free points in the first serve.

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“Well, the more matches you win, the more confident you are, so I’m sure this kind of matchup comes at the right time for him. I’m sure he feels that he can beat me. You know, if we play on center court, you know, night session, it would be a great matchup. I’m looking forward to it.

Djokovic respected what Lehecka brought to the court but still came through without dropping a set to move into the quarterfinals.

The next chance for them to play again will become clear when the Australian Open draw is made on Thursday 15th January.

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