Andy Roddick picks the last Grand Slam where Novak Djokovic was playing as well as he is at the Australian Open right now

Andy Roddick Picks the Last Grand Slam Where Novak Djokovic Was Playing as Well as He Is at the Australian Open Right Now

Novak Djokovic’s performance at the 2025 Australian Open has been nothing short of remarkable. The Serbian tennis legend, who has dominated the sport for over a decade, is displaying a level of play that is capturing the attention of both tennis fans and analysts alike. As Djokovic marches through the tournament, Andy Roddick, former world number one and Grand Slam champion, weighed in on the extraordinary form Djokovic has shown so far this year. Roddick, known for his sharp tennis insights and deep understanding of the game, pinpointed the last Grand Slam where Djokovic was playing at a similar level to what we are witnessing at this year’s Australian Open. His evaluation offers a glimpse into just how exceptional Djokovic’s current form is and why he could once again dominate the men’s game for years to come.

A Remarkable Start to the Australian Open 2025

When Novak Djokovic took to the court at the 2025 Australian Open, expectations were high, as they always are for the Serbian maestro. Having already won a record number of titles at Melbourne Park, Djokovic entered the tournament with his usual determination and laser-focused mindset. But as the matches progressed, it quickly became clear that Djokovic was playing at an exceptionally high level, one that few, if any, could match.

The fluidity of his movement, the precision of his groundstrokes, and the sheer power behind his serve have left his opponents scrambling and struggling to keep up. His fitness levels are once again impeccable, and his mental game is sharper than ever. Djokovic’s ability to dictate the tempo of the match and impose his will on the court has been reminiscent of the peak years of his career, when he was virtually untouchable. What makes his current form even more impressive is that, at 37 years old, he’s doing all of this while competing against a new generation of talented young players.

Roddick’s Analysis: The 2011 US Open as the Benchmark

For Andy Roddick, Djokovic’s current level of play at the Australian Open brings to mind his performance during the 2011 US Open. According to Roddick, the last time Djokovic played as well as he is now was during his historic 2011 season, particularly at the 2011 US Open, where he captured his first US Open title and continued his dominance over the sport. Roddick, who was an observer during this period, reflected on Djokovic’s rise to the top of men’s tennis, and how his game in 2011 was a precursor to the long-lasting success he would later experience.

In 2011, Djokovic experienced one of the most extraordinary years in tennis history. His relentless consistency, powerful baseline game, and almost impenetrable mental resilience allowed him to surge ahead of rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. He finished the year with a record of 70–6, claiming three Grand Slam titles: the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. His win at the US Open that year marked a turning point in his career, as it was his first major victory on American soil, and it helped solidify his position as the best player in the world.

Roddick notes that Djokovic’s form in 2011 was marked by an unrelenting desire to win and an ability to adapt his game in key moments. His serve was firing, his returns were exceptional, and his ability to grind through long rallies and impose his game on the biggest stages was evident. Roddick has pointed out that the mental fortitude Djokovic displayed in 2011 is something that fans are currently seeing at the 2025 Australian Open. The way Djokovic is dismantling his opponents, consistently staying calm under pressure, and never showing signs of fatigue or doubt is reminiscent of his dominant 2011 campaign.

The Evolution of Djokovic’s Game: From 2011 to 2025

While Roddick credits the 2011 US Open for showcasing Djokovic’s peak performance, he also acknowledges the evolution of Djokovic’s game over the years. By 2025, Djokovic has refined his skills even further, adapting his style to remain competitive against the ever-growing pool of young talent in the men’s game. In 2011, Djokovic was known for his aggressive baseline play and incredible return game, but since then, he has continued to add layers to his arsenal.

In recent years, Djokovic’s fitness has become a defining characteristic of his play. His conditioning has allowed him to extend rallies, chase down balls that many players wouldn’t even attempt to reach, and maintain a level of endurance that sets him apart from most of his peers. Additionally, his experience and tactical awareness have become increasingly valuable, allowing him to read the game more effectively and adjust his strategies mid-match. His serve, once considered a weak point in his game, has become one of his most reliable weapons, helping him dictate the pace of the match and set up his groundstrokes.

Roddick points out that Djokovic’s transformation into a more complete player over the years has made him an even more formidable opponent. While his 2011 form was exceptional, it was just the beginning of what would become a career of dominance. Now, at the Australian Open, Djokovic’s game is a perfect blend of everything he has learned throughout his illustrious career. Roddick believes that Djokovic has taken his experience and turned it into an even more dangerous weapon, and that’s why he is performing at such a high level in 2025.

Mental Resilience: Djokovic’s Unyielding Desire to Win

Perhaps one of the most striking similarities between Djokovic’s current form and his 2011 campaign is his mental resilience. Roddick has long been an advocate of the importance of mental toughness in tennis, and he believes that Djokovic is one of the best examples of how psychological strength can make a difference in a player’s success. Throughout his career, Djokovic has been known for his ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations, and that mental fortitude is something that Roddick believes has never been more apparent than it is at the 2025 Australian Open.

At 37 years old, Djokovic’s physical game may be slowing down slightly, but his mental strength remains unshakable. He continues to outlast opponents in the most grueling rallies and stays composed even when facing tough moments. Roddick argues that Djokovic’s ability to dig deep and never give up is what separates him from the rest of the field. Whether it’s fighting back from a break down in a set or responding to the energy of the crowd, Djokovic’s mental toughness is as strong as ever.

What’s Next for Djokovic at the Australian Open?

With Djokovic continuing to play at such a high level, the question on everyone’s mind is whether he can capture another Australian Open title. At 37, he remains one of the favorites, and his current form suggests that he is far from slowing down. Roddick’s analysis of Djokovic’s 2025 performance and comparison to his 2011 season only adds to the excitement surrounding his potential for the remainder of the tournament.

Djokovic’s quest for his tenth Australian Open title is still on track, and as he progresses through the tournament, it’s clear that his confidence is at an all-time high. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can continue to maintain his form and add another Grand Slam victory to his already legendary career. Given the way he is playing right now, there is no doubt that Djokovic will remain one of the most formidable players on the tour, and as Roddick suggests, his current level is reminiscent of the tennis he played during his historic 2011 season.

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will remain on Djokovic as he seeks to prove that, despite the influx of young talent, he is still the player to beat. With his mixture of experience, power, and mental toughness, Novak Djokovic looks poised to continue his legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.