Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, faces growing skepticism about his ability to add to his historic haul as he navigates the twilight of his career. Former WTA star Daniela Hantuchova, a respected voice in tennis, has cast significant doubt on Djokovic’s prospects, declaring that his chances of winning another Major are effectively zero. At 38, with a body showing signs of wear and tear, Djokovic is up against a formidable new generation led by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Hantuchova’s blunt assessment, coupled with Djokovic’s own reflections on his physical struggles, paints a challenging picture for the man widely regarded as one of the greatest ever to wield a racket.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a stark contrast to his dominant 2023, when he claimed three Grand Slam titles. This year, he has yet to reach a Major final, with a semifinal loss to Sinner at the Australian Open, a withdrawal before the Roland Garros quarterfinals due to a knee injury, and a straight-sets defeat to Sinner in the Wimbledon semifinals on July 11, 2025. Hantuchova, reflecting on these setbacks, was unequivocal: “I don’t see any chance for Novak to win a Grand Slam again.” She pointed to the physical demands of best-of-five-set matches and the relentless rise of younger stars like Sinner, the world No. 1, and Alcaraz, No. 2, who have claimed the last seven Majors between them. “These youngsters are so hungry and so good,” Hantuchova said, emphasizing that players like Alcaraz, who at 21 has five Grand Slams, and Sinner, with four at 23, have seized control of the sport.
Despite his storied career, which includes a triple Career Grand Slam, an Olympic gold medal in 2024, and a record 428 weeks as world No. 1, Djokovic has acknowledged the toll of age. After his Wimbledon loss to Sinner, he admitted, “The reality hits me right now, the last year and a half, like never before.” The match, a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 rout that lasted under two hours, highlighted the gap between Djokovic and the new guard. Even at 3-0 up in the third set with a chance for a double break, Djokovic couldn’t stem Sinner’s tide, as the Italian’s power and precision overwhelmed him. “I feel like I’m going into the match with the tank half-empty,” Djokovic confessed, underscoring the physical struggle of competing against younger, fitter opponents in grueling Major tournaments.
Hantuchova’s skepticism isn’t without context. Djokovic’s 2025 season has been marred by injuries, including a meniscus tear at Roland Garros that forced surgery and a disrupted clay-court campaign. His only clay win this year came against Alcaraz in the 2024 Paris Olympics gold-medal match, a thrilling 7-6, 7-6 victory that marked his first Olympic title. However, subsequent losses, including a shocking third-round exit to Alexei Popyrin at the US Open, have fueled doubts. Hantuchova noted the physical toll of Djokovic’s style, saying, “His body just can’t keep up with the demands of these long tournaments anymore.” She contrasted this with his past dominance, recalling how his legendary fitness and return game once made him untouchable, even against Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, whom he defeated multiple times at their peak.
The rise of Sinner and Alcaraz has shifted the tennis landscape. Sinner’s ruthless performance against Djokovic at Wimbledon, where he mirrored the Serb’s trademark sliding and rally tolerance, prompted John McEnroe to remark, “We were watching a better version of Novak Djokovic playing himself.” Alcaraz, meanwhile, has beaten Djokovic in the last two Wimbledon finals, showcasing his versatility across surfaces. “These guys are fit, young, sharp,” Djokovic said, acknowledging the challenge. Yet, he remains defiant, insisting he plans to return to Wimbledon “definitely at least one more time” and aims to challenge for a record-extending 25th Major at the US Open in 2025.
Djokovic’s resilience is undeniable. His 2024 Olympic triumph over Alcaraz, where he saved break points and won two tiebreaks, showed flashes of his old brilliance. His Novak Djokovic Foundation, which has built 51 schools in Serbia, and his philanthropy, including a €1 million donation for COVID-19 relief, reflect a legacy beyond the court. However, Hantuchova believes the physical demands of Majors, especially on clay and hard courts, are now too steep. “It’s not just about skill anymore; it’s about endurance, and the young guys have that edge,” she said. Posts on X echo this sentiment, with fans debating whether Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Major is a fading dream or a realistic goal given his unmatched experience.
As Djokovic prepares for the US Open, his last chance for a 2025 Major, the tennis world watches with bated breath. His coaching changes—parting with Andy Murray in May 2025 and adding Boris Bošnjaković as an analyst—signal a determination to adapt. Whether he can defy Hantuchova’s prognosis and overcome the Sinner-Alcaraz juggernaut remains uncertain, but Djokovic’s history of defying odds keeps hope alive for his legion of fans.
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