Novak Djokovic set for Qatar Open return after speedy injury recovery

By SABC Sport
8th February 2025

Novak Djokovic is set to return to action at the Qatar Open later this month after a quicker-than-expected recovery from his hamstring injury.

World No 6 Djokovic was forced to retire injured in his Australian Open semi-final last month, losing the first set 7-6(5) to second seed Alexander Zverev before ending the match.

The Serbian later shared an image of a scan taken on the hamstring injury which had first troubled him in his quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz.

The scan highlighted a not-insignificant tear in the 37-year-old's hamstring, with suggestions that he could be out for up to two months.

However, it now appears that Djokovic will be in action at the Qatar Open, which begins on February 17th.

Serbian news site Sportal has revealed that, after receiving further treatment in Belgrade, Djokovic is planning to head to Doha early next week - satisfied that he is recovering well from his injury.

The report also claims that the Serbian has yet to pick up a racket since his Australian Open exit and will use his early arrival in Doha to embark on a practice block before the tournament gets underway.

Furthermore, Sportal also revealed that Claudio Cimalja will be travelling to Doha as Djokovic's physiotherapist in place of Miljan Amanovic.

It is reported that Amanovic will focus on travelling to Grand Slams and selected Masters 1000 events, with Cimalja working with Djokovic across the rest of the season.

However, the former world No 1 is still undecided as to whether he will continue his coaching partnership with Andy Murray.

Djokovic hired his former rival to work with him in his quest to win an 11th Australian Open title in January, with both men left satisfied with the partnership despite the Serb not lifting the title.

Both men have left the door open for further co-operation, but as of yet it is not known whether Murray will accompany Djokovic in Doha - or who will step in should the Brit not be there.

Djokovic will be looking to win a historic 100th career title when he takes to the court in Doha and is a two-time former champion at the event, which has been upgraded to ATP 500 status in 2025.

The Serbian beat Rafael Nadal to lift the title in 2016, before downing Murray in the 2017 final.

Djokovic is currently set to be the third seed in Doha, behind world No 1 Jannik Sinner and World No 3 Alcaraz.