Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of a historic 25th Major title in the season when he turns 39.
However, not everyone is convinced the final milestone is still within reach for the greatest player of all time.
Former world no. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov has offered a sober assessment. The Russian pointed to the brutal physical demands of modern tennis on the biggest stage as the defining obstacle.
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While fully acknowledging Djokovic's place at the top of tennis history, Kafelnikov believes the equation changes when age enters the conversation, with Djokovic turning 39 in May.
He faces Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who are not only younger, but operating at peak physical efficiency at 24 and 22. That gives them a crucial advantage in the best-of-five format at Majors.
According to Yevgeny, the challenge is less about skill or experience, as no one matches Serb in that field. However, it's more about recovery, movement and endurance over two most demanding weeks.
The margin at Majors is unforgiving, and sustained physical output against playersa decade and a half younger becomes increasingly difficult, even for the 24-time champion.
Kafelnikov sees Djokovic remaining a major threat in shorter formats and regular tournaments. Over five sets, however, the cumulative strain favors youth over experience.
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As the new season approaches, Novak still dreams about that 25th Major crown. If his body holds on, the veteran is confident in his abilities to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz, although he battles against both them and himself.
The Serb is preparing in Dubai. He will start the 2026 campaign in the second week in Adelaide before heading to Melbourne for the most successful tournament of his career.
"Honestly, I doubt that Novak can win the 25th Major title. He is the greatest player of all time, and no one should question that. However, competing against Carlos and Jannik is tough.
Novak is not even 35 anymore, he will turn 39 next year. The body and metabolism do not allow you to recover quickly enough or move like a younger player.
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Nobody can beat nature, and and being 39-year-old is simply too old to compete against a 22-year-old at his physical peak. Novak can challenge them in the best-of-three matches, but it's practically impossible in the best-of-five ones," Yevgeny Kafelnikov said.
