As Novak Djokovic prepares for the 2025 Italian Open, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend stands on the cusp of a remarkable achievement that would align him with two of the sport’s all-time greats: Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl. With a record 24 Grand Slam titles and a staggering 428 weeks as world number one, Djokovic is poised to become only the third player in ATP history to reach 60 match wins at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome. Federer, with 59 victories, and Lendl, with 60, are the only men to have achieved this feat at the Foro Italico, and Djokovic’s pursuit of this milestone underscores his enduring dominance and relentless ambition.
Djokovic’s journey to this potential landmark has been defined by resilience and adaptability. Currently ranked fifth in the world, he has navigated a challenging 2025 season marked by a surprising Australian Open final loss to Jannik Sinner and a doping controversy involving Sinner’s cleared suspension. Yet, Djokovic remains a formidable force on clay, a surface where he has won three French Open titles. His Rome record is illustrious: six titles, 12 finals, and 59 wins from 71 matches since his debut in 2007. “I always aim to go deep in Rome; it’s a tournament that prepares you for Roland Garros,” Djokovic said, reflecting on the event’s significance. A single victory in his opening match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard would see him match Lendl’s 60 wins, while a second would place him alone in the record books, surpassing both Lendl and Federer.
The parallels between Djokovic, Federer, and Lendl extend beyond statistics. Federer, who retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slams, set a benchmark for longevity through strategic scheduling, a “hack” that Djokovic and Rafael Nadal adopted to extend their careers. “Federer figured out how to schedule for longevity,” former champion Jim Courier noted, highlighting how Djokovic, now approaching 38, has skipped tournaments like the Madrid Open to preserve energy for Rome and Roland Garros. Lendl, an eight-time Grand Slam winner, was renowned for his fitness and precision, traits that echo Djokovic’s methodical approach. “Novak’s story reminds me of Ivan Lendl,” journalist Christopher Clarey observed, noting how both overcame initial fan resistance to cement their legacies through sheer excellence.
Djokovic’s Rome campaign carries added weight as he aims to reclaim the world number two ranking from Alexander Zverev, who defends his 2024 title. A deep run could also bolster his French Open prospects, where he trails only Nadal’s 14 titles with his three crowns. “Rome is special; the courts suit my game,” Djokovic remarked, alluding to the slower clay that complements his defensive mastery and powerful groundstrokes. His rivalry with Federer in Rome was iconic, with a 2015 final where Djokovic prevailed 6-4, 6-3, showcasing his ability to outmaneuver the Swiss maestro. Against Lendl’s era, Djokovic’s versatility stands out, as Lendl never won Wimbledon, a title Djokovic has claimed seven times.
The Serbian’s pursuit of history is not without challenges. Emerging stars like Sinner, the 2024 ATP Finals champion who emulated Djokovic and Federer by winning without dropping a set, and Carlos Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam winner, pose significant threats. Yet, Djokovic’s mental fortitude remains unmatched. “Novak has managed to maintain a very high level and improve every year,” Nadal said, praising his rival’s injury-free consistency. Djokovic’s 260 top-10 wins, a record that dwarfs Federer’s 224 and Lendl’s 166, underscore his ability to conquer elite competition.
As Djokovic steps onto the Foro Italico, the weight of history looms large. Matching Lendl and Federer would be a testament to his longevity, a quality Lendl himself admired: “Novak could win the most Grand Slams despite restrictions; that’s a clear answer.” Federer, who once led their head-to-head 23-27, acknowledged Djokovic’s edge in their 50-match rivalry, particularly in their epic 2019 Wimbledon final, the longest in tournament history. For Djokovic, Rome is more than a milestone; it’s a chance to reaffirm his greatness. With the crowd’s energy and the clay underfoot, he’s ready to etch another chapter in a career that continues to redefine tennis excellence.
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