Consider these Novak Djokovic moments of 2025. January’s vintage quarter-final victory against Carlos Alcaraz to the Australian Open. June’s poignant touch on clay after a crushing defeat against Jannik sinner in the semi-final of Roland Garros, as the Parisian crowd chanted his name. The deflating losses to Sinner at Wimbledon and Alcaraz at the US Open, as well as the admission that he “ran out of gas” against his young rival. But he still reached four Grand Slam semi-finals in a single season at the age of 38. Win the 101st title of his career in a three-hour epic against Lorenzo Musetti in November, as all four sides of the Athens arena stood and his children applauded.
What do they say about the source of his lasting motivation, as Djokovic enters the 22nd season of his career? Back in Paris this summer, when Djokovic seemed closer to retirement more than ever, it was difficult to imagine the 24-time Grand Slam champion being content with the position he now finds himself in. But that was before what Alcaraz and Sinner produced in their epic run at Roland Garros, and finished a second straight year sharing the Grand Slam titles. After his loss to Alcaraz in the US Open semi-final, Djokovic made it clear that beating the Spaniard or Sinner in the best of five sets was now “very, very difficult” – especially if, while he continues to be ranked in the world’s top four, he can only face them in the semi-final at the earliest possible time and already has five matches in hand.
Not finished yet: Djokovic opened the door to playing into his 40s (Getty Images)
Perhaps Djokovic would have a better chance if he caught Alcaraz or Sinner in earlier rounds, when he is fresher. But that would require an alarming drop in his ranking. Perhaps Djokovic could reach the semifinals of a grand slam only to find that one of Alcaraz or Sinner had been upset, eliminated by a rogue wildcard? But seeing how Alcaraz and Sinner have separated from the landas well as how the consistency they both produce is fueled by a shared determination to face each other in the biggest final, a surprise second-round defeat is equally unlikely. Even then, Djokovic would probably have to face the other in the final, anyway.
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Is Djokovic beating Alcaraz or Sinner in the best of five sets really that unthinkable? A year ago, Djokovic capitalized on a distracted performance from Alcaraz to defeat the now six-time Grand Slam champion in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. It was the the biggest lesson Alcaraz learned in 2025as he brought more maturity into his matches and became less prone to dips. At the US Open a few months later, Alcaraz was relentless. As for Sinner, the Italian has had Djokovic’s number for a while and has won his last five matches against him, as well as two exhibitions. “He kicked my ass,” Djokovic said after a 6-4 6-2 loss to Sinner in their last meeting in Saudi Arabia.
One of the reasons Djokovic is sticking around is the goal of a 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would put him alone for the all-time record. But given how determined Alcaraz and Sinner are to lock them down in the near future, Roger Federer’s 103 singles titles seem like a closer rabbit to chase, although Jimmy Conners would remain far ahead with a record 109. It’s much more feasible for Djokovic to win two or three more tournaments on the ATP Tour, especially in the shorter format.
He also wants a second Olympic singles title, to match Andy Murray. Djokovic revealed he intends to continue playing until then, calling LA 2028 his “guiding star”. He would be 41 years old if he decided to defend his title.
Djokovic collapsed on his back after beating Lorenzo Musetti in a three-hour final in Athens late last year (Getty Images)
Part of Djokovic’s emotional reaction to his departure from Court Philippe-Chatrier in June was his acceptance that at this stage of his career, one serious injury would be enough to bid farewell to the dream, a dream.
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Instead, he was shown gratitude for still being at the point where he can beat Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz in the Grand Slam quarterfinals. and raise the roof on tennis’ biggest stages while doing itas well as the humility to accept the role of the “third man” that he refused to play as he disrupted the dominance of Federer and Rafael Nadal. Age can do that and, for 38-year-old Djokovic, that seems to be more than enough time to hang around a little longer.
Djokovic’s confirmation that he had severed ties with the rebellious Association of Professional Tennis Players which he co-founded, amid ongoing lawsuits against the governing bodies of tennis and Grand Slam tournaments, also reflected a focus on his end goal. He will do what he wants, on his own terms. Another opportunity is Australia, where Djokovic is a 10-time champion. He may be in the curious position of tennis limbo, but Djokovic is still determined to experience those moments.
