New Delhi: Novak Djokovic is set to arrive at Roland Garros after nine months. He didn’t have a coach that time, and he doesn’t have one now. From facing questions regarding his form in the initial seven months to winning Olympic gold at the Court Philippe Chatrier. He is set to be back on the same red clay, but this time in pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title that will take him ahead of Australian player Margaret Court.
He had a great run in the Australian Open this season, reaching the semifinal of the tournament, but had to give a walkover after suffering a muscle tear. The 24 Grand Slam champion has been struggling since then to win a tournament.
Happy 38th birthday to Novak Djoković 🇷🇸 the best tennis player of all time. @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/lzrBr0xm8a
— Based Serbia (@SerbiaBased) May 22, 2025
A rocky road to Paris
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Djokovic this year. He lost his opening matches in Monte Carlo and Madrid, parted ways with former coach and rival Andy Murray, and skipped Rome altogether. Just days before the French Open kicks off, Djokovic decided to make a wildcard entry in Geneva as he looks to get his rhythm back at a lower-tier event instead of sharpening his game in Paris.
This change of routine isn’t typical for the Serbian legend, who has always been strategic with his scheduling. But as he admitted after his early Madrid exit, this is a “new reality.” He spoke openly about how he’s now just trying to win a match or two rather than going deep in every event, an honest reflection of the challenges he’s currently facing.
Still dangerous, still Novak
Despite the recent hiccups, counting Djokovic out has never been a smart bet. The 24 Grand Slam champion has a career out of proving people wrong. Last season is proof. Around this time last year, he was also playing in Geneva, losing in the semifinal, gasping for breath and showing visible signs of struggle. But then, he turned up at Roland Garros and powered through the first week, including a brutal five-set win against Francisco Cerundolo, where he played through a torn meniscus before withdrawing ahead of the quarters.
Three weeks later, he reached the Wimbledon final, fresh off knee surgery. He lost to Alcaraz but proved again that when the stakes are high, he finds a way to compete. Then came the Olympics, where Djokovic delivered two flawless sets to beat Alcaraz and win gold.
A shift in mind and body
Let’s be real. Age is still catching up. He recently turned 38, and he has had more injuries in the last 12 months than we were used to seeing. His once tireless movement is now a little slower, and his rally tolerance isn’t what it used to be. On faster courts he is still solid, but on clay, where endurance matters more, his recent form hasn’t inspired confidence. The absence of deep runs in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome only adds to the concern.
Djokovic has repeatedly said that he wants to win the Grand Slams and represent Serbia, which are his biggest goals now. While he may not care about regular tour events anymore, it’s clear that he gears up differently when it’s Slam time. After claiming his 100th career title in the Geneva Open, he will now aim to add another major to his cabinet.
100 titles built on everything you don’t see. #ItAllAddsUp pic.twitter.com/ZzkGu43LgM
— ATP Tour (@atptour) May 24, 2025
Can he still achieve the silverware?
Of course, he can, but the competition is tough as Sinner and Alcaraz are ranked high nd are in good form riding strong form. But the Serbian remains a threat, his seed may be lower this time, meaning he might have to go through both Alcaraz and Sinner to lift the title. But he’s done that before, most recently at the 2023 ATP Finals.
Yes, he’s not the dominant, untouchable force he once was and younger players now believe they can beat him. But this is Novak Djokovic, the man who has redefined what’s impossible in tennis. He has been counted out too many times and bounced back just as often.
If anyone can flip the script and rise to the occasion, it’s him. Roland Garros may just witness another chapter in a career that’s already legendary.
Novak Djokovic eyes a historic 25th Grand Slam at Roland Garros amid injuries, form doubts, and fierce competition from Alcaraz and Sinner. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
