Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, continues to redefine greatness at Roland Garros 2025, with his remarkable performance drawing high praise from former ATP star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The Serbian maestro, now 38, has powered into the French Open quarterfinals with a blend of precision, athleticism, and an unyielding mental edge that Tsonga singled out as the cornerstone of his success. As Djokovic chases a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, his ability to thrive under pressure has left opponents and analysts in awe, cementing his status as one of tennis’s all-time greats.
Djokovic’s journey through the 2025 French Open has been a testament to his enduring brilliance. In the fourth round, he dismantled Britain’s Cam Norrie 6-2, 6-3, 6-2, marking his 100th career victory at Roland Garros—a feat surpassed only by Rafael Nadal among men. “It’s an incredible feeling to reach this milestone here,” Djokovic said post-match, his voice tinged with pride. “This court, this tournament, it’s always been special to me.” His path included a hard-fought third-round win over Corentin Moutet, where a blister on his left toe required a medical timeout, yet he refused to waver. Earlier, he cruised past Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, shrugging off windy conditions to showcase his adaptability. Tsonga, reflecting on Djokovic’s performance, pinpointed his mental resilience: “His ability to stay focused, to lock in when it matters most, it’s something special. You see it in these big moments—he just doesn’t break.”
The former French star, who faced Djokovic in the 2008 Australian Open final, emphasized how the Serbian’s mental toughness sets him apart in high-stakes matches. Tsonga noted that Djokovic’s capacity to remain calm under pressure, even when facing physical challenges like his recent knee issues, allows him to outlast opponents. This was evident in his 6-4, 6-4 semifinal win over Matteo Arnaldi at the Geneva Open just before Roland Garros, where he rallied from a 1-4 deficit in the second set. “I found the optimal state and balance, mentally and emotionally, to be able to play my best tennis when it was most needed,” Djokovic said after that match, highlighting the mindset Tsonga so admired. His ability to read opponents, adjust tactics, and maintain focus has been a hallmark of his 428 weeks as world No. 1, a record spanning 13 years.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a redemption arc after a title-less 2024, with his Olympic gold in Paris standing as his lone triumph last year. “The Olympic gold was a dream, a priority,” he told reporters, recalling his emotional victory at Roland Garros in 2024. “At 37, it was perhaps my last chance to hang that medal around my neck.” Now, with new coach Dusan Vemic in his corner after parting ways with Andy Murray, Djokovic is laser-focused on adding to his 24 Grand Slam titles, a men’s record he shares with Margaret Court’s overall mark. His 40 ATP Masters 1000 titles and seven year-end championships further underscore his dominance, yet it’s his mental clarity that Tsonga believes gives him an edge over younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Facing Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals, Djokovic is no stranger to tough battles. His 2013 Australian Open fourth-round epic against Stan Wawrinka and the 2019 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer—both five-set marathons—demonstrate his knack for thriving in grueling contests. “He’s like a chess player out there,” Tsonga remarked, likening Djokovic’s strategic approach to a grandmaster’s precision. With a perfect 10-0 finals record at the Australian Open and a triple Career Grand Slam, Djokovic’s versatility across surfaces remains unmatched. His recent Geneva Open run, where he celebrated his 38th birthday with a win, showed he’s still sharpening his game, even after knee surgery last year.
As Djokovic eyes a deep run in Paris, his mental fortitude continues to inspire. Tsonga’s praise echoes a broader sentiment: Djokovic’s ability to stay composed, adapt, and deliver under pressure is what makes him a titan of the sport. With Sinner and Alcaraz looming as potential challengers, the Serbian’s quest for another French Open title is a high-stakes drama, fueled by the relentless drive that has defined his legendary career.
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