Novak Djokovic stopped the clock at Majors this season, reaching all four semi-finals at 38! Novak achieved that three times after turning 34, proving his everlasting class and ageless ability to challenge the rivals from the top on the big stage.
However, the Serb's 2025 Major run offered a mix of brilliance and disappointment. While beating the rivals like Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz, Novak also wrote a negative page of tennis history.
The veteran became the only player in the Open era with a 0-4 score in Major semi-finals in a season! Eight players have collected that achievement 19 times since 1968, with the Belgrade native leading the chart with seven stints.
However, his latest one came with an unwanted twist. Since 1968, we have seen 19 notable runs with all four Major semi-finals in the season. Still, Novak is the only who could not pass that hurdle at least one and book a place in the title clash.
The Serb fell short four times against the top-3 rivals, battling with physical setbacks and much younger opponents born in 1997, 2001 and 2003! Thus, the 24-time Major winner earned a negative milestone that we shouldexamine from context that softens the blow.
To remain a fixture in the last four at the biggest events at 38 is a feat in itself, a testament to Djokovic's enduring class and competitive drive. For example, the second-oldest player with all four Major semi-finals in a season is Rafael Nadal at 33!
While the results on the most notable scene were not what Novak hoped for, his presence in all four semi-finals underlined the challenge of facing the new generation and the remarkable staying power of a champion who continues to defy time at 38.
Djokovic's plan for 2026? All the same, chasing notable trophies and focusing on preserving his body for the most demanding best-of-five Major battles.
