In the twilight of a golden era in men’s tennis, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, stands as the last titan of a generation that redefined the sport. With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal now retired, the 37-year-old Serbian star has opened up about the void left by his legendary rivals, admitting that their absence has shifted his motivation. Yet, as he prepares for the 2025 French Open, Djokovic insists his competitive fire still burns fiercely. “I still feel the desire to play,” he declared in a recent interview, his words resonating with the passion that has driven him to 98 career titles. As he gears up for Roland Garros, where he’s a three-time champion, Djokovic’s reflections offer a glimpse into a champion adapting to a new landscape while chasing history.
Djokovic’s rivalry with Federer and Nadal defined tennis for two decades, producing some of the sport’s most iconic matches. From Federer’s elegance to Nadal’s relentless grit, the trio pushed each other to unprecedented heights, collectively amassing 66 Grand Slam titles. Posts on X have captured Djokovic’s bittersweet sentiments, with the Serbian admitting last year, “A part of me leaves with them,” after Nadal joined Federer and Andy Murray in retirement. The weight of their absence was palpable when he spoke earlier this month, acknowledging that his motivation “maybe is not the same” without his greatest foes. Yet, Djokovic is quick to clarify that his hunger remains. “The passion is still there, the drive to compete at the highest level,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to adding to his record-breaking legacy.
The 2025 season has been a mixed bag for Djokovic. After a wrist injury forced him to withdraw from the Madrid Open, he returned to form in Rome, reaching the semifinals before falling to Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling three-setter. His preparation for the French Open, starting May 25, includes a tune-up in Geneva, a strategic move to sharpen his clay-court game. Roland Garros holds special significance for Djokovic, who last won there in 2023, defeating Casper Ruud to claim his 23rd Major. A fourth title in Paris would not only extend his record but also inch him closer to a calendar-year Grand Slam, a feat he last achieved in 2021. “Every time I step onto the court, I’m chasing something bigger,” he said, his focus undeterred by the rise of younger stars like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s journey this year has been about rediscovery. After a 2024 season without a Grand Slam title—his first since 2017—he leaned on his family and team to reignite his spark. His wife, Jelena, and their two children have been constants at tournaments, grounding him amid the pressures of being world No. 1. Off the court, Djokovic has embraced new ventures, including a documentary chronicling his career and a wellness brand focused on holistic health. Yet, tennis remains his core. “I am a bit sad because my greatest rivals have left,” he admitted last December, but he’s channeled that emotion into training with renewed intensity.
The French Open will test Djokovic’s resilience. Alcaraz, the 2024 champion, and Sinner, fresh off a dominant Australian Open, loom as formidable threats. Clay, historically Djokovic’s toughest surface, demands patience and endurance, qualities he’s honed through years of battling Nadal, the “King of Clay.” Reflecting on those duels, Djokovic said, “Facing Rafa here pushed me to evolve my game in ways I never imagined.” Now, he faces a new generation, but his 7-3 record against Alcaraz and 4-2 edge over Sinner suggest he’s far from fading.
Djokovic’s enduring appeal lies in his defiance of time. At 37, he’s rewriting the rules of longevity, much like Federer did in his later years. Fans on X have rallied behind his quest, with one user noting, “Novak’s passion is unreal—still chasing Slams when most would’ve hung up the racket.” As he prepares for Paris, Djokovic is also eyeing the 2025 Wimbledon and the Olympics, where a singles gold remains the one glaring omission on his resume. “I still burn to compete,” he reiterated, a mantra that echoes through his every forehand and serve.
As Roland Garros approaches, the tennis world watches a lone giant navigating uncharted territory. Without Federer’s artistry or Nadal’s ferocity to contend with, Djokovic is scripting the final chapters of his saga against himself and a hungry new guard. His desire, undimmed, promises more unforgettable moments on the red clay of Paris.