As the tennis world gears up for Roland Garros, set to run from May 25 to June 8, 2025, all eyes are on the sport’s enduring titans and rising stars. Among them, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, remains a focal point of intrigue. Carlos Moya, the former world No. 1 and longtime coach of Rafael Nadal until his retirement in 2024, recently shared a compelling perspective on Djokovic’s current state of mind and his prospects at the clay-court major. Moya’s insights, drawn from years of observing the Serbian maestro as both a rival and a coach, paint a picture of a player grappling with new challenges yet still formidable on the Parisian clay.
Moya, who guided Nadal to eight Grand Slam titles, including five at Roland Garros, spoke with the authority of someone who has witnessed Djokovic’s evolution firsthand. He named Djokovic among his four favorites for the 2025 tournament, alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Casper Ruud, notably omitting Alexander Zverev. “Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Casper Ruud, but also Novak Djokovic,” Moya said, acknowledging the Serbian’s enduring prowess. However, he suggested that Djokovic’s fire may have dimmed after achieving a lifelong dream. “He feels a bit empty after having realized his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal and the withdrawal of Nadal and Federer,” Moya noted, pointing to the emotional void left by the absence of his fiercest rivals.
Djokovic’s 2024 season was a mixed bag, marked by historic highs and unexpected lows. His Olympic gold in Paris fulfilled a career-long ambition, but he failed to add to his Grand Slam tally, a rare occurrence in recent years. Injuries, including a knee issue that forced him to withdraw before the Roland Garros quarterfinals, and a dip in consistency—evidenced by his early exits in Rome and Monte Carlo—have raised questions about his dominance at 38. Moya, however, cautioned against writing him off. “Novak is one of the greatest players in history, and you should never underestimate the greatest,” he warned, a nod to Djokovic’s ability to defy odds, as seen in his 2023 Roland Garros triumph.
The Spaniard’s comments reflect a deep respect for Djokovic’s resilience, forged through epic battles with Nadal. Moya recalled their 59 career clashes, including a memorable 2022 Roland Garros quarterfinal where Nadal prevailed under controversial night-session conditions. “It’s a match that’s always special,” Moya once said of their rivalry, a sentiment that underscores Djokovic’s ability to push even the “King of Clay” to his limits. While Nadal’s retirement has shifted the spotlight to younger stars like Alcaraz and Sinner, Djokovic remains the last of the “Big Three,” carrying the weight of expectation into Paris.
Moya’s analysis also hints at the psychological toll of Djokovic’s recent journey. The departure of Federer and Nadal, combined with the pressure of staying atop a sport increasingly dominated by youth, has left Djokovic in uncharted territory. Yet, his clay-court pedigree—three Roland Garros titles and a 31-29 head-to-head edge over Nadal—makes him a perennial threat. “The one who can impose their game plan will have the better chance,” Moya once said of Djokovic-Nadal clashes, a principle that still applies as Djokovic faces a new generation.
As Roland Garros approaches, Djokovic’s preparation will be scrutinized. His decision to skip Madrid and his early Rome loss to Alejandro Tabilo suggest a cautious approach, but Moya’s endorsement signals confidence in his ability to peak at the right moment. For fans, Moya’s words are a reminder of Djokovic’s enduring greatness, even as he navigates a crossroads. Whether he reclaims the Coupe des Mousquetaires or passes the torch, Djokovic’s Roland Garros campaign promises to be a captivating chapter in his storied career.
Leave a Reply