Novak Djokovic may be chasing history at Roland Garros this year, but not everyone is convinced he still has the firepower to cross the finish line. At 38, the Serbian icon is up against a new wave of tennis titans—names like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who have dominated recent Grand Slam finals. Yet despite the naysayers, Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th major title—a feat that would lift him above Margaret Court on the all-time list—remains one of the most captivating storylines of the tournament.
Just days before the French Open kicked off, Djokovic added another milestone to his glittering résumé by capturing his 100th career title with a triumph in Geneva, an ATP 250 event. Now through to the third round in Paris after dismissing Frenchman Corentin Moutet in straight sets, he’s proving once again that his competitive fire hasn’t dimmed.
While some question whether he still has what it takes to win the sport’s biggest prizes, tennis legend Mats Wilander sees no reason to doubt Djokovic’s staying power. Speaking courtside at Roland Garros, the former world No. 1 and TNT Sports pundit dismissed the idea that the Serb should consider stepping away.
“I cannot understand why anyone would say Novak should stop and, in fact, I think he is adding to his legacy by going out and winning a title like he did in Geneva last weekend,” Wilander told Tennis365 in his role as a TNT Sports analyst.
The Swede emphasized that true champions don’t just shine when they’re dominating—they also battle when things get tough, digging deep even when form or fitness isn’t at its peak. Djokovic, in his view, continues to embody that fighting spirit.
“I love it. I think great champions should show that when he is not at the peak of his powers and he is not winning everything that he will still compete and still fight.
“A great champion is not just the guy who wins the big tournament. It’s also the guy who finds a way to compete when he is not at his best and that is what we are seeing from Novak now.
“I think it’s just amazing that he is still competing against players from a different generation. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner may be the favourites to win Roland Garros this year, but Novak is still and he still believes he can win. It’s great to see.”
Pressed on whether Djokovic still has a Grand Slam left in him, Wilander’s response was emphatic.
“Of course he can win another Grand Slam,” he added. “Anyone who writes off Novak Djokovic is making a mistake.
“I would say that Wimbledon may be his best chance and it will be hard for him to get past Alcaraz and Sinner, but this is Novak Djokovic. This is not a normal tennis player. I would not be surprised for one second if he wins another Grand Slam.”
His second-round clash with Moutet wasn’t without drama. Djokovic had to dig in against the unpredictable Frenchman, especially in a tense third set, while also managing a painful blister on his foot that threatened to derail his momentum.
“Mentally, I had to stay concentrated and prepared for a match like that,” said Djokovic.
“Corentin is a player who has great speed, it was a great battle, especially the third set. I saved a set point… At that moment, anything is possible. I found a shot to stay in the set, a good service. I think in general I played well, I managed to stay calm on court, which wasn’t easy at times.
“Things got complicated with the blister and the atmosphere was electric in the third set when he got close to winning it. The fans got involved and it was not easy for me, but I got it done.
“The crowd is very close on Suzanne Lenglen. They get very loud. When you experience the match from up close, you get more involved. It was a younger crowd, I noticed that.”
With no rest day before his next outing, Djokovic made a light-hearted plea to the tournament organisers—hoping they’d spare him from a Saturday night match so he could tune into the Champions League final. With Paris Saint-Germain taking on Inter Milan, Djokovic made it known he’ll be throwing his support behind the French side.
Whether he gets that scheduling wish or not, the veteran continues to command the spotlight in Paris, not just because of what he’s achieved but because of the possibility that there’s still more magic left in him. In a sport driven by momentum and moments, Djokovic’s journey remains one of the game’s most compelling narratives.