As the tennis world turns its gaze toward the 2025 French Open, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, finds himself at a crossroads. The Serbian legend, nearing his 38th birthday, has faced a challenging 2025, with disappointing exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid sparking doubts about his clay-court prowess. Yet, former World No. 17 Colin Fleming remains steadfast in his belief that Djokovic can still summon the magic that has defined his storied career, particularly at Roland Garros, where he aims to claim a record-extending 25th Major title. “Djokovic can still be dangerous in Grand Slam tournaments,” Fleming declared, pointing to the Serbian’s ability to elevate his game when the stakes are highest.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag. His Australian Open campaign, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling quarterfinal, showcased his enduring brilliance, only to be halted by a thigh injury. However, clay has been less kind. In Monte Carlo, he fell to Alejandro Tabilo, and in Madrid, Matteo Arnaldi delivered a decisive upset, marking Djokovic’s worst clay-court showing in years. “I did not have high expectations for these two tournaments, but I expected something more,” Djokovic admitted, his frustration palpable after what he hinted could have been his final match in the Spanish capital. His decision to skip the Italian Open, a tournament he has played annually since 2007, further fueled speculation about his form and motivation on the red dirt, a surface he has acknowledged is “not suitable” for his game at this stage.
Fleming, however, sees method in Djokovic’s approach. “It’s no secret that he no longer has the right motivation to shine in tournaments like Monte Carlo and Madrid at this point in his career,” he said, suggesting that Djokovic’s withdrawal from Rome was a strategic move to conserve energy and hone his game for Roland Garros. The former ATP star highlighted Djokovic’s ability to “raise his level as the rounds go by,” as evidenced in Australia, where he outlasted younger rivals before injury intervened. This knack for peaking at Majors, combined with his unparalleled experience, makes him a formidable contender, even as he approaches 38. “I do not rule out that he could win his 25th Slam and his 100th title,” Fleming added, a bold prediction given Djokovic’s current No. 7 ranking and the rise of Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz.
Djokovic’s clay-court legacy at Roland Garros offers reasons for optimism. A three-time champion in Paris, he has reached the semifinals in four of the last six editions, including a 2016 title that completed his Career Grand Slam. His 2024 Olympic gold on the same clay courts, where he defeated Alcaraz in a stunning final, proved he can still dominate on the surface when dialed in. “The Olympic gold is an important achievement,” Djokovic reflected, noting its significance as his sole title in 2024 and a lifelong ambition fulfilled. That triumph, achieved at 37 without dropping a set, silenced critics who doubted his ability to compete with the sport’s new guard.
Yet, challenges loom. Djokovic’s 2024 season was his first without a Major title since 2017, marked by a lopsided Wimbledon final loss to Alcaraz and a US Open third-round exit to Alexei Popyrin. His decision to enlist Andy Murray as his coach for 2025, a surprising move announced during the Davis Cup Finals, signals a desire for fresh perspective. “I’m sure Andy will give him valuable help,” said former British No. 4 Tim Henman, who believes Murray’s tactical acumen could unlock Djokovic’s potential. The Serbian’s lighter 2025 schedule, focused on Grand Slams and select events like the Brisbane International, reflects a calculated approach to maximize his chances at Majors, particularly in Paris and Wimbledon, where he reached the final in 2024 despite a knee injury.
Fleming’s confidence hinges on Djokovic’s mental fortitude and adaptability. “He knows he has to find the best sensations in time for Roland Garros and he needs to practice hard,” he said, emphasizing the Serbian’s ability to recalibrate under pressure. With Sinner and Alcaraz as top favorites, Djokovic’s No. 7 seeding could pit him against one of them as early as the quarterfinals, a daunting prospect. Yet, his 10 Australian Open titles and 430 Major match wins—surpassing Roger Federer’s record—prove he thrives in high-stakes arenas. As Djokovic prepares for Paris, the tennis world watches a legend who, in Fleming’s words, “proved it in Australia,” ready to defy age and expectation once more.
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