Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam title hit a stumbling block when he was forced to retire from his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev at the 2025 Australian Open. His injury has left fans questioning if this setback marks the end of his hopes for future Grand Slam glory.
With 24 major titles already under his belt, Djokovic is tied with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam victories in tennis history. The Serbian icon’s pursuit of a 25th title has been a major focus as he nears the twilight of his career. However, following his injury against Zverev, Djokovic admitted uncertainty about his future, particularly with regard to returning to Melbourne for the 2026 Australian Open. When asked about his prospects, Djokovic said, “I don’t know. There is a chance (it was his last appearance). Who knows? I will have to see how the season goes.” He added, “I want to keep going. But whether I’m going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I’m not sure.”
Now, Djokovic will shift his focus to recovering from the injury that ended his Australian Open run. Still, there are reasons for optimism, especially after his impressive victory over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament. This win served as a testament to his ability to compete with the younger generation of tennis stars, showing that he can still contend with the best. Former world No. 1 Jim Courier believes that Djokovic can still add another Grand Slam title to his collection before calling it a career.
Courier shared his thoughts on Djokovic’s physical condition, noting, “I think his body is more like a 32-year-old’s body rather than a 37-year-old’s body. The game is more physical, and we see him sliding into the corners chasing balls down. He’s been doing it for a long, long time. You’re going to pick up some injuries along the way, but his tennis is there. If his body cooperates, I’m sure we will see him win at least one more major.”
Courier went on to explain that Djokovic’s skill and experience could help him navigate the early rounds of major tournaments, but his body’s ability to withstand the physical toll of extended matches is a concern. “The question is, does his body come in battle-tested? Does the jarring aspect of playing matches cause him to get injured? I’d be worried about his body responding to the strain of real match play,” Courier said.
Mats Wilander, another former world No. 1, echoed similar sentiments, expressing confidence that Djokovic would still be a force to reckon with in the coming years. Wilander predicted that Djokovic would manage his schedule carefully, playing around 10-11 events, and remain competitive in major tournaments, especially Wimbledon. “I think he’ll definitely come back and manage his schedule,” Wilander said. “He’ll most probably play around 10-11 events. He’s playing great, and I’d be very surprised if he’s not threatening in the other Slams, especially Wimbledon. But it is worrying at his age, as recovery should take longer.”
Wilander also praised Djokovic for his perseverance and motivation, acknowledging that health will be the key factor in determining how much longer the Serbian star can compete at the highest level. “Health is number one, but I think with his lifestyle, he will be able to come back and be dangerous one more time,” Wilander added. “Novak is already pushing tennis boundaries by playing at such a high level at 37. When I watch him, I’m reminded that he won three Grand Slams in 2024—he still looks incredible.”
Wilander’s admiration for Djokovic goes beyond his tennis accomplishments, recognizing that the 38-year-old is not only shaping tennis history but also making a significant impact on sports in general. “One of the happiest days of my career as a tennis analyst was the day Novak won his 24th Grand Slam. That solidified him as the greatest of all time. Now, the conversation has shifted to how many more he can win.”
Wilander further compared Djokovic’s longevity to that of other sporting legends like Tom Brady and Tiger Woods, noting that while many athletes of Djokovic’s age have retired, he continues to break barriers. “Athletes like Novak are rare. He’s 38 and still winning Olympic golds. Other legends like Tom Brady and Tiger Woods have retired, but Novak is still pushing the envelope.”
As Djokovic takes time to recover from his injury, the French Open in May seems to be his next target, though much will depend on how his body responds. His determination to keep competing and his desire for that elusive 25th Grand Slam title remain at the forefront, with fans eagerly awaiting his return to the court.