Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is no stranger to defying expectations, but as he approaches the 2025 French Open at age 38, the Serbian superstar faces unprecedented challenges. Caroline Wozniacki, a former world No. 1 and close friend, recently offered a candid perspective on the physical and mental hurdles Djokovic must overcome to maintain his elite status. With a winless clay-court season and a recent withdrawal from the Italian Open, Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title is under scrutiny. Yet, his relentless drive and meticulous preparation keep hope alive, even as age tests his limits.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a departure from his usual dominance. Early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, coupled with a surprising decision to skip Rome—a key Roland Garros warm-up—have left him without a clay-court victory this year. Wozniacki, who returned to tennis in 2023 after a three-year hiatus, empathized with the toll of age. “When you get older, your body is not the same as it used to be. You don’t recover as easily,” she said, reflecting on the grueling demands of the sport. At 38, Djokovic’s body faces increased strain, particularly in the best-of-five-set format of Grand Slams, where recovery between matches is critical. “You might have a niggle here and there, and you might not be able to just push through the pain like you did when you were younger,” she added, highlighting the physical challenge.
Despite these setbacks, Djokovic’s season has shown flashes of brilliance. A hard-fought victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open, despite a hamstring injury, and a Miami Open final run underscored his enduring talent. His decision to compete in the Geneva Open, an ATP 250 event starting May 19, reflects a strategic push for match practice before Roland Garros. “He’s won 24 Grand Slams, he’s done it all, seen it all,” Wozniacki said, marveling at his longevity. She pointed to his disciplined lifestyle—gluten-free diet, hyperbaric chambers, and intense conditioning—as key to his ability to compete with younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz. “Tennis is a sport where it’s necessary to nurture that mentality of, ‘It’s never enough,’” Djokovic himself noted, emphasizing his insatiable hunger for success.
Wozniacki’s insights extend beyond the physical. As a mother of two who balanced family and a comeback, she understands the mental fortitude required to stay at the top. Djokovic, a father of two, has spoken about finding balance, and Wozniacki believes his experience gives him an edge. “You have to be so disciplined in every aspect,” she said, noting that veterans like Djokovic must work harder to maintain their level. His 2024 Olympic gold medal, won on the same Roland Garros courts, boosts his confidence, but a tough draw—potentially facing Sinner or Alcaraz early—looms large. “If he’s healthy, he’s one of the best players in the world, still,” Wozniacki asserted, confident in his ability to rise to the occasion.
Djokovic’s clay-court pedigree—three French Open titles, including 2023, and 20 career clay titles—makes him a perennial threat. His ability to problem-solve in longer matches, as seen in past Roland Garros runs, remains a strength. However, his 37-9 record across six tournaments in 2025 reflects a dip in consistency, with losses to players like Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi. Wozniacki acknowledged the mental challenge of staying motivated after achieving so much: “It’s really about that hunger to keep going.” Djokovic’s decision to play Geneva suggests that hunger remains, aiming to build momentum before the French Open begins on May 25.
As Djokovic prepares for Paris, his legacy as one of tennis’s greatest is secure, but his quest for more history drives him forward. Wozniacki’s faith in him mirrors that of fans who’ve watched him defy age, from matching Pete Sampras’s 14 Slams at 31 to surpassing Roger Federer’s record at 36. With Roland Garros on the horizon, Djokovic’s challenge is clear, but as Wozniacki put it, “If he’s healthy, he’s one of the best.” Whether he can overcome the physical and mental demands at 38 will define his 2025 legacy.
At 38, Novak Djokovic faces daunting challenges at the 2025 French Open, but Caroline Wozniacki believes the 24-time Grand Slam champion remains a force. “When you get older, your body is not the same as it used to be. You don’t recover as easily,” she said, noting the physical toll of tennis. Djokovic’s winless clay season, with early losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid, and a Rome withdrawal, raises concerns. “You might have a niggle here and there, and you might not be able to just push through the pain like you did when you were younger,” Wozniacki added.
Yet, Djokovic’s 2025 highlights include an Australian Open win over Carlos Alcaraz and a Miami Open final. His Geneva Open wildcard entry shows determination. “He’s won 24 Grand Slams, he’s done it all, seen it all,” Wozniacki said, praising his disciplined lifestyle—gluten-free diet and hyperbaric chambers. “Tennis is a sport where it’s necessary to nurture that mentality of, ‘It’s never enough,’” Djokovic said. His 2024 Olympic gold on Roland Garros courts adds confidence, though a tough draw looms.
Wozniacki, a mother balancing family and tennis, admires Djokovic’s mental strength. “You have to be so disciplined in every aspect,” she said. His three French Open titles and 20 clay trophies make him a threat, but a 37-9 record reflects inconsistency. “It’s really about that hunger to keep going,” Wozniacki noted. As Roland Garros begins May 25, she believes, “If he’s healthy, he’s one of the best players in the world, still,” making Djokovic’s quest for a 25th Slam a story of resilience.
Leave a Reply