The 2025 season did not give Novak Djokovic another Grand Slam title as he would have liked, but it confirmed to the whole world that the Serbian legend can still be dangerous in the most prestigious tournaments on the calendar. The former world No.1 has become the oldest player ever to have reached at least the semifinals in all major tournaments in the same season, but it is equally true that his body no longer supports him as in step and the number of injuries has increased more and more.
In addition, the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner who are both in their 'prime' and have taken control of the men's tour has made Nole's chances of achieving his dream even smaller, as he himself admitted after being clearly beaten by the Spaniard in the US Open semifinals.
The 38-year-old from Belgrade wants to win his 25th Grand Slam title and write a new page in tennis history, but he is aware of his current difficulties that also emerged during the recent Shanghai Rolex Masters.
Djokovic has reduced his schedule
Nole had a real opportunity to win his 41st Masters 1000 career, taking advantage of Carlitos' absence and Jannik's retirement in the third round due to cramps. Novak reached the semifinals in the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season and was clearly favored against world number 204 Valentin Vacherot, but lost to the Monegasque ace also due to a less than perfect physical condition. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has only confirmed the Athens 250 between now and the end of the season.
Interviewed by 'Tennis365', fitness expert Stephen Smith explained how difficult it is to find a balance for a 38-year-old athlete: "Contrary to what most people think, too much rest and too much inactivity can have a negative impact. You have to find the perfect balance between rest and the right amount of stimulation, otherwise the risk of injury increases."
The former world number 1 has not confirmed his presence at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin yet.
