Andrea Petkovic, former world No. 9, has firmly committed to never questioning Novak Djokovic’s tennis abilities again after his remarkable run at the 2025 Australian Open. The German player acknowledged that Djokovic’s performances in Melbourne were nothing short of extraordinary, stating that the Serbian champion “still has it.” Petkovic expressed admiration for Djokovic’s game, highlighting that the only real challenge he faces now is his physical condition.
Djokovic reached the semi-finals in Melbourne before being forced to retire in his match against world No. 2 Alexander Zverev due to a hamstring tear. Despite the injury, Djokovic delivered a vintage performance earlier in the tournament, where he triumphed over the 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in four sets during the quarter-finals. Although Djokovic sustained the injury early in his match against Zverev, he managed to recover after losing the first set, showcasing his resilience.
His earlier wins over Czech players Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka, both in straight sets, further demonstrated his dominance. Djokovic, who boasts a record 24 Grand Slam titles, is on track to chase a 25th major, with his last victory coming at the 2023 US Open.
In a personal blog post on Substack, Petkovic made a bold declaration: “Anyone who ever doubts Novak’s tennis again, whether he’s 37 or 55 years old, should be condemned to eternal silence. And yes, I’m talking about myself.” Petkovic confessed that while she never questioned Djokovic’s skill outright, she wasn’t sure he would retain the explosiveness needed to compete with younger players. But, after watching him in action, she is convinced he is still at the top of his game.
Petkovic elaborated, stating, “For three matches—against Machac, Lehecka, and Alcaraz—he played better than ever. His consistency was still there, as he rarely missed a shot, but what stood out was his increased power and ability to change directions quickly. Despite being aware of his age, Djokovic made those adjustments without allowing his opponents to detect any vulnerability.”
Looking ahead to Djokovic’s potential for a 25th Grand Slam title in 2025, Petkovic expressed optimism: “I genuinely believe he can reach 25 titles this year, provided his body holds up. At 37, that’s the only thing that could hold him back—his body, which has served him so well throughout his career.”
She went on to reflect on the inevitable passage of time, acknowledging that what once was a strength can sometimes become a limitation as athletes age. Yet, she concluded with conviction, “But one thing’s certain: I will never again doubt Novak’s tennis. Whether he’s 23, 37, or 45, age is just a number. Titles, however, remain forever.”