Novak Djokovic's pursuit of a record-extending 25th Major title sits at the intersection of logic and belief.
Paul Annacone admitted it's getting harder and harder for the legend to clinch it, with one notable reminder.
At 38, the Serb is in a place where few players ever reach, and even fewer remain competitive within. Novak continues to defy conventional career arcs, yet the challenge in front of him has never been clearer.
Annacone would love to see another Major title in Djokovic's collection. However, the quest requires seven best-of-five victories and likely two wins against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the dominant duo of men's tennis.
Navigation throughthose waters getsharder and harder for Novak with every season. He reached four semi-finals in 2025, and Annacone reminded that we should bet against a legend of his caliber at own risk.
For Djokovic, the ideal scenario includes relatively easy victories in the opening week and avoiding five-setters. Besides that, someone would have to beat Sinner or Alcaraz before they reach the semi-final, which is easier said than done.
If he enters the latter stages at his 100% physically, the veteran still believes he can challenge the rival's from the top. As we saw this season, it's getting harder for Novak to recover and manage his body after marathons.
The 24-time Major winner possesses unmatched experience, tactical brilliance and mental strength, the path is undeniably steeped than in previous ears of dominance, with much younger rivals learning how to best him.
Despite all that, Djokovic's history at Majors resits clean conclusions. He has rewritten what longevity looks like following another top-4 year-end position at 38, achieving that for the 17th time in career!
Knowing all that, the logic alone can not close the conversation. Novak enters Majors to chase titles and not merely to participate. He competes with the belief that, if conditions align and momentum builds, he can still challenge anyone on the sport's biggest stage.
Djokovic is working hard ahead of 2026. He will compete in Adelaide before seeking his 11th Australian Open crown, the first in three years. Novak fell to Jannik and Carlos three times at Majors this year.
He will try to manage his body even more carefully and turn the tables in the season ahead of us.
"My heart says yes, but my head says no. I think it's getting harder and harder. Novak will have to face a lot of great players, and I think winning seven best-of-five matches to clinch a 25th major title might be too much of a challenge.
But bet against him at your own risk: legends are the exception, not the rule," Paul Annacone said.
