At 38, Novak Djokovic continues to defy the relentless march of time, delivering performances that keep him in the conversation as one of tennis’s all-time greats. As the 2025 season unfolds, the Serbian legend has faced challenges, from coaching changes to surprising defeats, yet his run to the French Open semifinals and a historic 100th ATP title in Geneva have silenced doubters. Renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou, a luminary in the sport, recently shared his astonishment at Djokovic’s enduring prowess, offering a verdict that underscores the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s remarkable ability to shine on the biggest stages, even on surfaces less suited to his game.
Djokovic’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and trials. After a semifinal showing at the Australian Open, where he fell to Jannik Sinner, and a final appearance in Miami, where 19-year-old Jakub Mensík stunned him, the Serbian struggled with early exits at Monte-Carlo, Madrid, and Cincinnati. His decision to part ways with coach Andy Murray in May, after a six-month partnership that yielded no titles, raised eyebrows. “We felt like we couldn’t get more out of that partnership on the court,” Djokovic said, opting instead for familiar faces Dusan Vemic and Boris Bosnjakovic to guide him through the clay season. Yet, it was in Geneva where Djokovic found his spark, accepting a wildcard and battling to his 100th tour-level title against Hubert Hurkacz, joining Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors as the only men to reach this milestone in the Open Era. “I think I can go toe-to-toe with the big guys,” he declared in January, a prophecy fulfilled in Switzerland.
The French Open, however, was where Djokovic truly showcased his resilience. Overcoming a knee issue that plagued him since his 2024 Wimbledon final loss to Carlos Alcaraz, he powered through a grueling four-set quarterfinal against Alexander Zverev, becoming only the second man after Rafael Nadal to notch 100 match wins at Roland Garros. His semifinal clash with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner was a tactical masterclass, though Sinner prevailed 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (3). “On the surface less suited to his game, he reached the semifinals by beating Zverev and also putting Sinner in trouble,” Mouratoglou noted on LinkedIn, marveling at Djokovic’s ability to compete at an elite level despite physical setbacks. The coach’s praise echoed sentiments on social media, where one fan posted, “His tennis hasn’t dropped. The precision, variation, and timing are still there,” reflecting the awe surrounding Djokovic’s performance.
Djokovic’s clay-court run was no fluke. His 12-7 record in 2025, while modest compared to his peak years, includes a 19th French Open quarterfinal, a record for any man at a single major. Former player Luke Saville, however, offered a nuanced take, suggesting Djokovic’s belief wavered against Sinner in Paris. “For the first time, I had the feeling he didn’t believe he could win,” Saville said, though he added, “Maybe he could have a chance at Wimbledon, where he has always shown himself to be dangerous.” Indeed, Wimbledon looms large for Djokovic, who reached the 2024 final despite post-knee-surgery struggles and boasts seven titles on the grass.
The Serbian’s journey is one of adaptation. His forehand, once underrated, remains versatile, while his serve—refined after technical tweaks in 2009—wins free points with flat first serves and wide, slicing seconds. Todd Martin, his coach from 2009-2010, once called his athleticism “from another world,” a quality that still allows Djokovic to hit winners from impossible positions. His 92.9% win rate in five-setters, second only to Björn Borg, and a record 428 weeks at No. 1 underline a career of unmatched consistency. Yet, Mouratoglou’s earlier critique of Djokovic’s “lost drive” after early 2025 losses highlights the mental toll of chasing a 25th Grand Slam to break Margaret Court’s record.
As Djokovic eyes Wimbledon, starting June 30, 2025, his hunger remains palpable. “I’m trying to build my form for Roland Garros, and perform at the desired, necessary level to challenge the best players in the world,” he said in Geneva, a mindset that carried him far in Paris. With Sinner and Alcaraz leading the new guard, Djokovic’s ability to push them to their limits proves he’s far from finished. Mouratoglou’s verdict captures this enduring brilliance: a champion whose legacy grows with every improbable rally, every hard-fought win.
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