As the 2025 French Open unfolds on the clay courts of Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend with 24 Grand Slam titles, continues his relentless pursuit of history. Despite his commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Austria’s Filip Misolic in the third round, former British number one Tim Henman has cast doubt on Djokovic’s chances of clinching a record-breaking 25th major in Paris. Instead, Henman is looking ahead, boldly predicting that Djokovic’s best shot at surpassing Margaret Court’s all-time Grand Slam record lies on the hallowed grass courts of Wimbledon, where the Serbian’s experience and mastery could propel him to an eighth title. This forecast, delivered from the TNT Sports studio at Roland Garros, has ignited excitement among fans eager to see if Djokovic can cement his legacy as the greatest player in tennis history.
Djokovic, now 38, arrived in Paris on the back of a rejuvenating title run at the Geneva Open, his 100th career title, which silenced critics questioning his form after early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid. “You look at it now and he is through to the fourth round, he came in here on the back of winning a tournament in Geneva and the mood around him feels a little different,” Henman observed, noting the confidence boost from that victory. Yet, he tempered expectations for Roland Garros, citing the physical demands of clay-court tennis at Djokovic’s age. “I don’t personally think he can on clay because of the physicality, he’s 37 [at the time of recording],” Henman said. “The recovery we talked about, I think it’s hard.” His skepticism reflects the dominance of younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have claimed the last five Grand Slam titles, including Alcaraz’s 2024 French Open crown.
Henman’s confidence in Djokovic’s Wimbledon prospects stems from the Serbian’s unparalleled success on grass. A seven-time champion at the All England Club, Djokovic is one title shy of matching Roger Federer’s record. “I would never write Novak off,” Henman emphasized. “For me, I don’t think Djokovic is one of the favourites in Paris, but I would put him in the mix to win at Wimbledon if he is fit and healthy. He is one of the favourites on grass.” The grass surface, less taxing physically than clay, plays to Djokovic’s strengths—his precise serve, fluid movement, and tactical brilliance. Having reached the Wimbledon final in 2024 despite knee surgery, Djokovic’s resilience is undeniable. “He has got 24 Slams, the most weeks at No 1, the most Masters 1000’s, he’s got it all,” Henman added, asserting that Djokovic’s statistical dominance already makes him the men’s game’s greatest.
Djokovic’s journey at Roland Garros has been impressive, with a 19th fourth-round appearance in 21 tries and a perfect first-round record over two decades. His recent win over Misolic, played during a lively night session coinciding with the Champions League final, showcased his ability to perform under unique pressures. “Night sessions are always different. They’re always louder; the people are more excited,” Djokovic said, noting the crowd’s energy as they followed nearby football celebrations. Yet, Henman’s focus remains on Wimbledon, where fewer players—perhaps only Alcaraz and a potentially absent Sinner, pending a doping appeal—can match Djokovic’s grass-court prowess. “Realistically, how many players could have won the Australian Open? There may have been four or maybe five players. On grass, there is even less,” Henman noted.
The Serbian’s hunger for a 25th major is palpable. “When I tried to extend my career for as long as I can, I wanted to play at the highest level and that’s what I’m doing, so I couldn’t be happier,” Djokovic said after his Misolic win. Despite a hamstring injury forcing his retirement in the 2025 Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev, prompting boos from the Melbourne crowd, Djokovic remains undeterred. Henman defended him, saying, “For someone going for their 11th Australian Open title and their 25th Slam, to be the leader in the history of the game, he’s clearly in a bad way if he has pulled out after a set.” As Djokovic faces Cameron Norrie in the Roland Garros fourth round, a rematch from Geneva, his focus is on the present, but Henman’s prediction has shifted the spotlight to Wimbledon, where Djokovic could etch his name deeper into tennis immortality.
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