Novak Djokovic, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, stands at a pivotal moment in his storied career. As the 2025 clay season draws to a close, former doubles world No. 1 Todd Woodbridge has raised concerns about the Serbian’s future, warning that the next five to six weeks could determine whether he continues his quest for greatness or joins Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in retirement. “So these next five, six weeks are critical for Novak,” Woodbridge declared, pointing to the French Open and Wimbledon as make-or-break tournaments for the world No. 5. With Djokovic’s aura of invincibility fading and younger players seizing opportunities, the tennis world watches anxiously to see if the greatest men’s player of the Open Era can reclaim his dominance.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been uncharacteristically turbulent. Despite a strong start at the Australian Open, where he reached the semifinals before retiring against Alexander Zverev due to a muscle tear, the Serbian has struggled to find his rhythm. Early exits in Doha, Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo, and most recently Madrid—where he fell 6-3, 6-4 to Matteo Arnaldi in the round of 64—have marked his worst clay season in years. His decision to withdraw from the Italian Open, a tournament he has played every year since 2007, has only fueled speculation about his physical and mental state. “He’s losing to opponents he never used to lose to,” Woodbridge observed, noting that players now step onto the court believing, “This could be my chance now.” The once-unassailable “fear factor” that defined Djokovic’s reign is waning, a shift underscored by losses to players like Alejandro Tabilo and Jakub Mensik earlier this year.
Woodbridge, a 16-time Grand Slam doubles champion, emphasized the physical toll on Djokovic, who turns 38 in May 2025. “Physically, you can see he’s not bouncing back the way he was before,” he said, highlighting a noticeable decline in Djokovic’s ability to absorb the firepower of the new generation. Reflecting on a Miami Open match against Mensik, Woodbridge noted, “He was being blasted through the corners,” a stark contrast to the days when Djokovic could neutralize any opponent from the baseline. This vulnerability, coupled with a grueling schedule, has led Djokovic to prioritize rest over Rome, betting on his “reputation and aura” to carry him at Roland Garros. “It seems he’s made that decision by pulling out of Rome,” Woodbridge added, suggesting Djokovic is banking on his storied history—10 Australian Opens, three French Opens, seven Wimbledons, and four US Opens—to reignite his spark.
Djokovic’s career is a testament to resilience. From his 2010 Davis Cup triumph for Serbia to his 2024 Olympic gold, which completed a career Golden Slam, he has defied odds time and again. Yet, the emergence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have claimed seven of the last nine majors, poses a formidable challenge. Woodbridge believes Djokovic’s motivation remains tied to extending his Grand Slam record, but the question looms: can he find the extra edge? “Novak’s ability to do the 1% is better than anybody,” Woodbridge said, but he questioned, “Where does he find the extra 1% when he’s already done everything possible?” Former US Open champion Sam Stosur echoed this sentiment, suggesting, “We’re definitely at that crossroads of, all right, is this the time?”
As Djokovic prepares for Roland Garros, where he last won in 2023, and Wimbledon, where he remains a perennial contender, the stakes are monumental. A strong performance could solidify his resolve to chase a 25th major, but a lackluster showing might prompt a drastic decision. “If he can perform well in Paris, we’ll see him stick around,” Woodbridge predicted. “If he doesn’t… Wimbledon, most definitely he’s a contender, but then I think the rest of the season and his future we are going to have to wait and see.” Djokovic himself has hinted at contemplating his exit, telling GQ in January 2025, “I feel if I start to lose more and feel like there is a bigger gap… then I’ll probably call it a day.” For now, the tennis world holds its breath, awaiting the next chapter in a career that has redefined the sport.
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