As the tennis world gears up for the 2025 Roland Garros, a bombshell claim from a prominent analyst has cast doubt on whether Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, will take to the clay courts of Paris. José Moron, a respected voice in tennis circles, has suggested that the 37-year-old Serbian superstar might opt to bypass the French Open, scheduled for May 25 to June 8, as he grapples with a challenging season marked by injuries and inconsistent form. This speculation, voiced just weeks after Djokovic’s early exit from the Madrid Open, has sparked intense debate about the future of one of tennis’s greatest-ever players.
Djokovic’s 2025 campaign has been a far cry from his dominant past. A torn hamstring forced him to retire during his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev in January, sidelining him for weeks. His return has been rocky, with a shock loss to Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo and a 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Matteo Arnaldi in his Madrid opener on April 26—the latest in a string of four opening-match losses this year. “I’m not going into Roland Garros as one of the main favorites, but maybe that can help,” Djokovic admitted in Madrid, acknowledging a “new reality” where he’s focused on simply winning matches rather than dominating tournaments. This candid reflection, a stark departure from his usual confidence, has fueled Moron’s belief that Djokovic may prioritize recovery over the grueling clay-court major.
Moron’s concerns are rooted in Djokovic’s physical and mental state. “I’m not entirely sure that Djokovic has decided to play Roland Garros. He could consider skipping it,” Moron stated, pointing to the Serbian’s lack of clay-court wins this season and his withdrawal from the Italian Open, a key Roland Garros warm-up, on April 29. The Rome event, with conditions mirroring Paris, is a critical stepping stone, and Djokovic’s absence—his first since 2007—has raised alarms. Former French Open champion Jim Courier echoed this unease, noting, “It’s worrying because that’s the best place to get ready for Roland Garros.” Djokovic’s current world No. 5 ranking, with 4,080 points, leaves him outside the top four seeds, potentially setting up early clashes with titans like Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz, further complicating his path to a fourth French Open title.
Djokovic’s history at Roland Garros is illustrious—he’s won three times (2016, 2021, 2023), including a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam in 2023 against Casper Ruud. Yet, his 2024 withdrawal due to a knee injury and a 2025 season plagued by physical setbacks, including a lingering hamstring issue, have dimmed expectations. Analyst Marcus Buckland previously warned that Djokovic’s fitness could decide his quest for a 25th major, stating, “It’s all going to be down to his fitness. The guy is almost superhuman, but he can’t go on forever.” The Serbian’s age—turning 38 on May 22—and a demanding schedule add weight to Moron’s theory that rest might take precedence over Paris.
Despite the skepticism, Djokovic’s resilience is legendary. “Of course I’m always trying to be optimistic, and I know what I’m capable of,” he said in Madrid, hinting at his knack for peaking at Grand Slams. Stefanos Tsitsipas, whom Djokovic defeated in the 2021 Roland Garros final, cautioned against writing him off: “With Novak, you never know—I would wait to see the first rounds of Roland Garros to have a clear answer on that.” Still, the absence of clay-court rhythm, coupled with a tough draw, could deter Djokovic, especially with Wimbledon’s grass courts, where he’s won seven titles, looming in July.
The tennis community is abuzz with speculation. Some fans on social platforms argue Djokovic’s experience makes him a threat regardless of form, while others fear his body may betray him on clay’s demanding surface. Moron’s prediction, while not definitive, highlights the uncertainty surrounding a player who once seemed invincible. As Roland Garros approaches, all eyes are on Djokovic—will he defy the odds in Paris, or will ‘Nole’ choose recovery over rivalry, saving his strength for another shot at history?
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