As the tennis world turns its gaze toward the 2025 French Open, set to unfold from May 25 to June 8, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, faces mounting skepticism about his ability to add to his historic tally. Tennis legend Chris Evert, an 18-time Grand Slam winner and one of the sport’s most respected voices, recently shared a candid assessment of the Serbian’s prospects, expressing doubt about his chances of clinching a 25th major title. In an interview ahead of the clay-court major, Evert, while acknowledging Djokovic’s unparalleled legacy, admitted, “I would never underestimate him, but I would be surprised if he won another major, let’s put it that way.” Her words, tempered with admiration, reflect the growing uncertainty surrounding the 37-year-old’s form as he navigates a challenging season and the twilight of his illustrious career.
Djokovic’s 2025 campaign has been uncharacteristically rocky, marked by a series of setbacks that have raised questions about his dominance. The former world No. 1, who will turn 38 on May 22, suffered a string of straight-set defeats, including a loss to Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final, followed by early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid against Matteo Arnaldi. Opting to skip the Italian Open, Djokovic added the ATP 250 event in Geneva to his schedule, a move signaling his intent to fine-tune his game before Roland Garros. Yet, his recent struggles—three consecutive losses and no titles since the 2024 Paris Olympics gold—contrast sharply with his record-extending 24th Grand Slam triumph at the 2023 US Open. “I mean, you’ve got to give the guy credit. This guy’s won everything, more than anybody,” Evert said, recognizing his unmatched achievements while noting, “I would be pleasantly surprised, just with his results in the past and he’s human… I’m not feeling it.”
Evert’s skepticism is rooted in Djokovic’s recent performances and the physical toll of age, a barrier that even the Serbian’s legendary fitness regimen may struggle to overcome. Known for his obsessive commitment to health, from hyperbaric chambers to a gluten-free diet, Djokovic has defied time, winning 12 majors after turning 30, a feat that places him alongside Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who also claimed their final Slams at 36. “I’ve seen him play brilliantly on grass, and he’s won Wimbledon so many times, that’s why I can’t say, ‘no, he’s not gonna win another one,’” Evert noted, leaving the door open for a potential resurgence at SW19, where Djokovic has triumphed seven times. However, she added, “I don’t think it’s gonna be the French Open,” citing the grueling demands of clay and his lackluster preparation.
Djokovic’s own reflections reveal a player grappling with a shifting reality. “Obviously it’s challenging for me nowadays to produce the results I had when I was at my best,” he admitted in a recent interview, acknowledging the difficulty of recapturing his peak form. Yet, his unrelenting drive remains evident: “Tennis is a sport where it’s necessary to nurture that mentality of, ‘It’s never enough.’ Because once it’s enough, then it’s really enough and you have to put the racket aside. And I still don’t feel it’s enough for me.” This mindset, which Evert once described as a level above his peers, has fueled his pursuit of history, including his 2024 Olympic gold, which completed a Career Golden Slam and cemented his GOAT status in her eyes. “His love for the game and his country is unprecedented. The strength of his mind is incomparable,” she declared after his Paris triumph.
The French Open presents a formidable challenge. Djokovic, a three-time champion at Roland Garros, faces a field brimming with talent, including Carlos Alcaraz, who Evert praised for his “passion and hunger,” and a resurgent Jannik Sinner. Nadal, despite his own injury concerns, remains a clay-court titan, while Casper Ruud’s recent Madrid Open victory adds depth to the competition. Evert’s doubts echo broader sentiments in the tennis community, with some fans on social media noting Djokovic’s “new reality” of inconsistent results. Still, his history of defying odds—such as saving a championship point in the 2023 Adelaide final—suggests he remains a dangerous contender.
As Djokovic prepares for Paris, Evert’s verdict serves as both a caution and a nod to his enduring legacy. “I would never say he’s not going to win,” she emphasized, wary of counting out a player who has rewritten tennis history. Whether he can summon the brilliance that once earned him Evert’s praise as “flawless” and “the greatest of all time” remains to be seen, but for now, the Serbian’s quest for a 25th major is a saga of resilience, doubt, and unyielding ambition.
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