Only Injuries Can Stop Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic seems to be hindered only by physical issues as he continues his quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, according to former world No. 4 ATP player Guy Forget.

For two consecutive years, Djokovic has been attempting to achieve what no one in tennis history has ever done. At 37, the Serbian star is pushing to claim his 25th Grand Slam title, solidifying his lead atop the all-time rankings.

Djokovic first set his sights on this goal in 2024 after winning his 24th Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open. However, he was unable to reach this historic milestone in 2024, making 2025 another chance to achieve it.

Growing Challenges Ahead

As time passes, Djokovic’s journey becomes increasingly difficult. Age presents new challenges as he approaches 38, while younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner continue to mature and become tougher opponents to beat.

Despite this, Djokovic remains relentless in his pursuit. According to Guy Forget, the former director of the Roland Garros tournament, Djokovic is driven by records and his desire to reach unprecedented heights.

“Novak is always motivated by records. He wants to achieve milestones that no one else has ever reached. With one or two more titles, he would reach the Everest of tennis. He trains solely for that purpose,” Forget said. “But if his physical condition declines or he starts losing to weaker opponents, I’m not sure how long he’ll remain motivated to keep playing.”

Only Injuries Are a Barrier

Forget believes that Djokovic has the mental strength to pursue major titles, but he emphasizes that the only thing capable of stopping the Serbian star is injury.

“In my opinion, only physical issues could make him stop. This has happened to Federer and Nadal. However, Novak’s performance at the Paris Olympics was remarkable. He is still capable of beating Alcaraz and Sinner multiple times,” Forget remarked.

Djokovic’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics proved that he can still compete with and defeat Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. This remains his goal heading into the 2025 season.

“I recall the Roland Garros final this year. Honestly, if Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic were playing that final at an average level, they could have beaten Alcaraz or Zverev. If Novak can play as he did at the Olympics, he can still beat Sinner or Alcaraz,” Forget stated.

The Future of Tennis After the Big Three

When asked about the future of tennis, Forget expressed no concerns, thanks to the emergence of young talents like Alcaraz and Sinner. These two players have proven themselves as the next generation of stars, ready to carry forward the legacy left by the Big Three.