Rewind to April 2024, and Novak Djokovic’s relationship with tennis looked unrecognizable compared to the fire he’s showing now. Back then, the Serbian legend seemed to be battling more with his own motivation than with his opponents on court. His semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open was already a red flag, but the real shock came when he was upended by Italy’s Luca Nardi at Indian Wells — a match where Djokovic appeared more mentally absent than physically outplayed.
His body language and candid post-match comments reflected a man whose passion for the grind had dimmed. With 24 Grand Slam trophies already in his cabinet, and the eternal GOAT debate with Federer and Nadal all but settled in his favor, Djokovic looked like a champion nearing the exit. “I was more surprised with my level. My level was really, really bad,” he admitted after the Nardi loss. “That’s it, you know – these two things come together. He’s having a great day; I’m having a really bad day. Results as a negative outcome for me.”
Through the clay swing of 2024, the pattern continued. Unexpected losses were accompanied by statements about preferring time with family over non-Slam tournaments. It painted the picture of a player losing interest in the chase, possibly winding down a glittering career.
Fast-forward one year, though, and Djokovic is back with a different energy — sharper, more driven, and hungrier than ever. April 2025 presents a different Novak. Despite falling to Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final, Djokovic’s path to the championship round showcased glimpses of brilliance and reminded everyone of his championship DNA. Rather than appearing drained or disinterested, the veteran was engaged and competitive throughout the tournament — a stark contrast to the Djokovic of twelve months ago.
Crucially, we’re seeing more of him this year than we did at the same stage last season, and not just in terms of appearances. There’s a clear resurgence in his form and focus — something that suggests the fire still burns fiercely. With his 38th birthday approaching, it would be easy to write off Djokovic’s chances of bagging another major. Yet 2025 has already brought a string of standout performances that hint he’s far from finished.
Still locked with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic is eyeing that elusive 25th — a number that would place him alone at the summit of tennis history. And there’s every reason to believe he sees this summer’s French Open or Wimbledon as the stage for that defining moment.
One of the highlights of his season so far was his Australian Open win over Carlos Alcaraz. In that clash, Djokovic delivered a vintage performance, especially in the final two sets — a masterclass that silenced any doubts about his competitiveness at the top level. That spark continued in Miami, where his serve was clicking — precise, powerful, and relentless. Even though Mensik toppled him in the final, Djokovic’s overall game was solid, and the run itself was proof that he still belongs among the sport’s elite.
Rather than dwell on the defeat, Djokovic found perspective, offering high praise for his young opponent. “Never really happy to lose, but he’s one of the very few players that I would be happier to lose to, to be honest,” he said with admirable grace.
He reflected warmly on Mensik’s development:
“I have seen him play when he was 15 or 16 and invited him, we had some training blocks together. He was training at my club in Belgrade, and to see his development and evolution is really great, amazing. I could see three, four years ago that he’s going to be one of the top players of the world. I’m super glad that he’s using the potential that he has, because he’s got the complete game. Obviously his serve is incredible, powerful, precise, wins a lot of free points with the first serve.”
Despite the sting of defeat, Djokovic was upbeat about the overall experience:
“Overall obviously now bitter taste because of the loss. But Miami, as I said on the court, really brought me a lot of joy and really good sensations on and off the court. I was very welcomed very nicely by people and supported. They were pushing me on and trying to give me strength for a comeback. Very grateful. Just enjoyed my experience overall. It was [an] amazing run. Unfortunately ended with a loss in the final, but I played some really good tennis.”
Now, the focus shifts to Monte Carlo as Djokovic launches into the clay court season — a move that underlines his renewed commitment. While he competed in Monaco last year too, his performance suggested he was merely fulfilling obligations rather than gunning for glory. A lackluster showing saw him bow out to Casper Ruud without much resistance.
This time, however, the scenario feels different. Djokovic arrives with rhythm in his legs and determination in his eyes. If the form he showcased in Miami is anything to go by, he’s rearmed and ready for battle. He’ll need every ounce of that if he’s to fend off the likes of Jannik Sinner, who’s expected to return from suspension with a point to prove — especially with Roland-Garros around the corner.
Djokovic may be a step slower than the 25-year-olds he competes against, but what he lacks in youthful agility, he compensates with experience, grit, and an unmatched tennis IQ. The countdown to Grand Slam No. 25 continues — and if this version of Djokovic is here to stay, don’t bet against him rewriting history one more time.