Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, faces skepticism about his chances at the 2025 Roland Garros, according to former ATP professional Tim Henman. Despite Djokovic’s storied career and three French Open titles (2016, 2021, 2023), Henman believes the clay courts of Paris may not favor the 37-year-old this year. “I think Wimbledon is the tournament where he can win his 25th Major title,” Henman stated, pointing to Djokovic’s exceptional grass-court prowess and experience. “In Australia there were four or five players who could defeat him, while on grass there are fewer.”
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. A thrilling quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open showcased his enduring brilliance, but a subsequent semifinal loss to Alexander Zverev, marred by a severe left thigh injury, raised concerns. The injury, described as a deep tear, forced Djokovic to retire from the match, casting doubt on his participation in upcoming tournaments like the ATP 500 in Doha. His absence from Roland Garros 2024, due to a medial meniscus tear in his right knee sustained during a grueling five-set win over Francisco Cerundolo, further fuels speculation about his physical resilience on clay. “I am really sad to announce that I have to withdraw from #rolandgarros,” Djokovic shared on social media, revealing the tough decision made after medical consultation.
Henman’s doubts hinge on Djokovic’s recent struggles and the unique demands of clay. “He plays very well on grass and has more experience than his opponents,” Henman noted, contrasting this with the French Open, where younger players like Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz thrive. Sinner, who secured the world No. 1 ranking after Djokovic’s 2024 withdrawal, poses a formidable threat. Henman suggested that Sinner, despite reaching only a Wimbledon semifinal, may falter on grass but excels on clay, making him a tougher opponent in Paris. “Jannik Sinner reached a semifinal in London, but it’s not his favorite surface,” Henman remarked, implying Sinner’s clay-court edge could challenge Djokovic.
Djokovic’s clay-court record remains formidable, with 40 Masters titles and a Career Golden Masters, but his 2025 clay season has been limited. Semifinal runs in Monte-Carlo and Geneva showed promise, yet his lack of match play and recurring injuries raise questions. In 2024, he battled a knee issue during Roland Garros, admitting, “For two sets and a half, I didn’t want to stay in the rally too long.” Despite rallying to defeat Cerundolo, the injury forced him out before the quarterfinals, handing Casper Ruud a walkover. This history underscores the physical toll of clay’s long rallies, especially for a player nearing 38.
The Serbian’s mental fortitude, however, is undeniable. His 2023 Roland Garros triumph, defeating Ruud in the final, made him the oldest men’s champion in Paris history at 36. “There is always that kind of conviction and belief inside of me that I can win a slam,” Djokovic said, emphasizing his drive to compete at the highest level. His rivalry with Rafael Nadal, who holds an 8-2 edge over him at Roland Garros, has shaped his clay-court legacy. “It’s the highest mountain to climb for me to win Roland Garros, particularly because of Nadal,” he once admitted. With Nadal’s likely retirement, Djokovic faces new challenges from the likes of Alcaraz, who bested him in the 2024 Wimbledon final.
As Roland Garros 2025 approaches, Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-extending 25th Major is fraught with obstacles. Henman’s analysis highlights the growing competition and Djokovic’s physical vulnerabilities. Yet, his resilience—evident in late-night epics like the 2024 Musetti match, which ended at 3:08 a.m.—suggests he remains a contender. Whether he can defy the odds on Parisian clay or if Henman’s prediction holds true will define another chapter in Djokovic’s storied career.
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