Novak Djokovic steps out in "24" shoes as he makes winning Australian Open start

On Sunday, Novak Djokovic once again walked out onto Rod Laver Arena as the defending champion—but this time, he had a reminder of his record-breaking major victories in every step.

Eagle-eyed Djokovic fans were quick to spot one new detail on the world No. 1’s blue Asics shoes: the number “24” is printed on the side of the heel. It’s a reference to the staggering amount of Grand Slam singles titles Djokovic has amassed in his career—a figure ties the all-time record owned by Australia’s Margaret Court, and surpasses the previous men’s Open era records held by rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic, a global brand ambassador for Lacoste, has worn various sponsors on court but he continues to rely on Asics' Court FF NOVAK shoes in competition.

"When I switched from my last sponsor to Asics shoes, I felt really like I was going to a sportscar from a commercial car,” he told *Forbes* in 2022. “I felt lighter on my feet, I felt there was more flexibility. I could change direction quicker, and I could slide. Why change when you feel good?"

In their mission to make sure Djokovic keeps feeling good, Asics has rolled out the custom treatment on a few occasions. Last year, when Djokovic lifted his 23rd Grand Slam trophy at Roland Garros—breaking his men’s Open era tie with Nadal in the process—apparel sponsor Lacoste outfitted him in a “23” jacket to wear during the trophy ceremony. Asics, meanwhile, created an all-white and teal shoe for Djokovic to wear at Wimbledon with “23” written on the heel.

It was a detail that popped back up again in New York City on his blue and green US Open shoes, after Carlos Alcaraz overcame him in the Wimbledon final and delayed his 24th triumph.

But after his US Open victory—which he celebrated with a “24” Lacoste jacket and a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant—Djokovic arrived in Australia wearing another major number on his shoes.

“I'm just hoping I can start the season in a way that I have been starting my seasons, most of my seasons, throughout my career: with a win here in Australia, in Melbourne. My favorite place, no doubt. The court where I've done great things and achieved my greatest Grand Slam results," Djokovic told press before the tournament began.

“I hope that I'm going to be able to, if not play at the level that I did last year, then be very close to that—because that was one of the best tennis levels that I've ever played, here in Australia last year.”

Djokovic passed an early test in his quest for a mind-boggling 25th Grand Slam title, after he was taken to four sets by Dino Prizmic on Sunday. He eventually prevailed 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 after four hours and will face an Aussie next, either Alexei Popyrin or wildcard Marc Polmans in the second round.