Jannik Sinner won the Australian Open in 2024, as he took down now three-time losing finalist Daniil Medvedev in five sets.

The Italian had beaten Djokovic in the semi-finals, shocking the Serb, who had won the year before, dropping just one set all tournament.

Djokovic will be working with Andy Murray in Australia, as he looks to get back to winning ways down under.

Ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, Djokovic has looked back upon some of his finest memories at Rod Laver Arena.

Novak Djokovic says his first and last Australian Open titles are his favorite Melbourne memories

During Djokovic’s pre-tournament press conference, the Serb was asked to pick his favorite Australian Open memory.

“I guess the first time is always the most special one,” he said.

“Winning 2008, my first Slam here, overall first Slam in my career, and first Slam here in Australia.”

Djokovic had lost his first Grand Slam final to Roger Federer at the 2007 US Open but was determined to get up and running with a first Major title when he headed to Melbourne just a few months later.

The now 37-year-old was dominant throughout, as he advanced to the semi-finals, where he came up against a familiar foe.

Presented with an opportunity to exact revenge on his Swiss rival, Djokovic didn’t need to think twice, as he breezed past Federer, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6, to book his spot in the final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

It was there that Djokovic dropped his first set of the tournament, as the Frenchman grabbed the first 6-4 before the Serb battled through in four sets to claim his first Major crown.

He had won his first Australian Open title, but the success didn’t stop there, as he has continued to perform down under, with his most recent triumph coming in 2023.

“Then probably the last slam I won here in 2023, yeah,” Djokovic said when asked what other memories he cherished.

“I mean, each win is special and unique in its own way, so it’s kind of hard for me to pick.

“But if I have to, it’s probably the first and the last one.”

Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to win the 2023 Australian Open, taking his Melbourne tally to ten.

Can Novak Djokovic add another ‘favorite’ Australian Open memory in 2025?

There is not one player in the history of tennis that can rival the legacy of Djokovic in Melbourne, but that’s not to say that the Serb won’t try to build on that in 2025.

He’ll be aware that Sinner got the better of him last year, and has now won each of their last three meetings, so will be looking to get back on the top of the pile at the first Grand Slam of the year.

But who will Djokovic have to get past if he wants to win a record-extending 11th Australian Open title?

Djokovic will be confident of advancing to the quarter-finals without too much trouble, but it’s there where things get a lot more difficult.

Carlos Alcaraz beat Djokovic in the 2024 Wimbledon final, having done so one year earlier, and will provide a tough test for the Serb should they play at this year’s tournament.

It won’t get much easier in the latter stages, as potential contests against Alexander Zverev and Sinner will require Djokovic to be right at the top of his game if he wants to come away with the trophy.

It remains to be seen if Djokovic can make another ‘memory’ in Melbourne this year, but if he is to win the Australian Open, he’ll certainly have to earn it against some of the best players in men’s tennis.

Djokovic will begin his Australian Open campaign against Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round on January 13.

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