As the 2025 ATP season unfolds, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, finds himself at a crossroads. The Serbian maestro, once an unstoppable force, is grappling with a rare dip in form, marked by a shocking opening-round loss to Matteo Arnaldi at the Madrid Open. This defeat, his fourth such stumble this year, has sparked intense speculation about his priorities. Retired American star John Isner, a former rival and keen observer, believes Djokovic has his sights set on one tournament above all: Wimbledon. “It is really hard for us to say but I think he only cares about Wimbledon at this point,” Isner said on the Nothing Major Podcast, pointing to the grass courts of SW19 as Djokovic’s best shot at a 25th Major title.
Djokovic’s 2025 campaign has been uncharacteristically turbulent. At 37, the former world No. 1 has endured a string of early exits, including losses at Monte Carlo and Indian Wells, and a semi-final retirement against Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open due to injury. His last tournament victory came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he clinched a coveted gold medal, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final. Yet, the ATP Tour has been less kind. Isner, who faced Djokovic 12 times and holds two victories over him, sees the Serbian’s struggles on clay as a sign of shifting focus. “It is not his best surface to begin with, he is playing poorly on it right now,” Isner noted, suggesting that the grueling three-out-of-five-set format at Roland Garros, coupled with the rise of young stars like Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz, makes a French Open triumph unlikely. “It is very hard for him to win Roland Garros and maybe he might even understand that now,” he added.
The Serbian’s mindset, however, remains fiercely competitive. Despite his Madrid setback, Djokovic’s frustration on the practice court—captured in viral clips—reveals a player still hungry for greatness. “He still wants more and that is so admirable,” Isner said, marveling at Djokovic’s drive to improve at 37. This resilience is why Isner believes Wimbledon, where Djokovic has won seven titles, is his true target. The faster grass surface suits his game, and his ability to dominate shorter rallies could give him an edge. “If he can serve like he did in Miami, then he can absolutely win Wimbledon,” Isner remarked, recalling Djokovic’s 83% first-serve rate in a match earlier this season. A strong serve, honed under former coach Goran Ivanisevic, has become a weapon, offering Djokovic “free points” to conserve energy—a critical factor as he ages.
Djokovic’s 2024 season was his first without a Grand Slam since 2017, a stark contrast to his 2023 haul of three Majors. His withdrawal from the upcoming Italian Open, announced by organizers, further underscores his selective approach, likely preserving energy for the French Open and Wimbledon. “He will play Rome and the French Open and gear up for Wimbledon,” Isner predicted, suggesting Djokovic views these clay events as preparation rather than priorities. The Serbian’s history at Wimbledon—reaching the final last year before losing to Alcaraz—bolsters Isner’s confidence. Even Steve Johnson, Isner’s podcast co-host, agreed that Wimbledon offers Djokovic’s “best chance” if he can navigate the early rounds unscathed.
The tennis world is watching closely. Djokovic’s new coaching partnership with Andy Murray, set to begin this month, adds intrigue. Murray’s tactical acumen could help Djokovic counter the relentless baseline play of Sinner, who returns from a three-month ban at the Italian Open, or the explosive athleticism of Alcaraz. Yet, challenges abound. Injuries have disrupted Djokovic’s rhythm, and the physical toll of best-of-five-set matches is undeniable. “I just feel like he is going to run out of gas at some point,” Johnson cautioned, highlighting the stamina required over a two-week Slam.
For Djokovic, the pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam is about legacy. Already two titles ahead of Rafael Nadal’s 22, another Major would further cement his claim as the greatest of all time. Isner, who once stunned Djokovic in the 2012 Indian Wells semi-final, knows the Serbian’s tenacity firsthand. “I think give him another day and he will put this loss behind him,” he said of the Madrid defeat. As Djokovic prepares for Roland Garros and beyond, the tennis world awaits his next move. Will Wimbledon 2025 be the stage for one final triumph? If Isner’s instincts are correct, the Serbian is ready to pour everything into making it happen.
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