Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis titan, has dominated the world of men’s tennis for nearly two decades. He has shattered records and redefined the meaning of greatness in the sport. Yet, as he strives to break Margaret Court’s record of the most Grand Slam titles in history, his greatest adversary is not Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner. It’s time itself.
Djokovic has always prioritized playing for Serbia and the Grand Slams. His selective participation in tournaments recently aligns with this stance. Nevertheless, his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th major title continues to captivate the world of tennis. The question remains – does he have enough time to achieve this feat?
The 37-year-old Serbian’s performance at the 2025 Australian Open reiterated his strong standing as a Slam contender. Despite a hamstring injury, he clinched an exhilarating win against the World No. 2, Carlos Alcaraz, in the quarterfinals. The same injury, however, forced him to bow out during the semifinals against Alexander Zverev.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are touted as future leaders of the sport, but Djokovic’s true obstacle lies elsewhere. According to Marcus Buckland, an esteemed tennis broadcaster, it’s not the next generation of tennis stars that pose the most significant threat to Djokovic. The real challenge, as Djokovic approaches his 38th birthday, is his battle against the sands of time.
Buckland, in a conversation with Tennis365, expressed his concern about Djokovic’s ability to withstand the physical demands of the tour and maintain his peak condition. Recent images of Djokovic limping have raised question marks about his physical readiness for upcoming tournaments like Indian Wells.
Despite Djokovic’s reputation for elevating his game when stakes are high, signs of physical strain are becoming more evident. Buckland noted, “The guy is almost superhuman, but he can’t go on forever, and it has suddenly started to look a little more difficult for him to do what he wants to do.”
While Alcaraz and Sinner have challenged Djokovic in high-stakes matches and even defeated him on grand stages, they aren’t the biggest obstacles in his pursuit of the 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic’s experience, mental resilience, and tactical prowess remain his strongest assets. Yet, the difficulty is mounting.
Another interesting aspect of Djokovic’s journey is his collaboration with former rival Andy Murray in a coaching capacity. This partnership, which began in November 2024, is set to continue, with Murray confirming his extended role in Djokovic’s team.
The dynamic between these two tennis legends has intrigued Buckland, who said, “We have got the excitement of the Djokovic and Murray player-coaching combination continuing, and that was fascinating to watch at the Australian Open.”
While Djokovic continues to be a formidable force in men’s tennis, Alcaraz and Sinner present significant challenges. Still, the most substantial battle he faces is against his own body. How he manages this will determine if he adds another historical milestone to his illustrious career.
