Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is entering the 2025 French Open under a cloud of uncertainty, but tennis legend Jim Courier insists that writing off the Serbian superstar would be a grave mistake. At 38, Djokovic has faced a turbulent season, marked by a string of losses and a surprising withdrawal from the Italian Open, leaving him without a single clay-court victory in 2025. Yet, Courier, a two-time Roland Garros champion, remains optimistic, pointing to Djokovic’s decision to compete in the Geneva Open as a sign of his relentless drive to reclaim his form. As the tennis world prepares for the clay-court major starting May 25, 2025, Djokovic’s quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title hangs in the balance, but his history of defying odds keeps hope alive.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been uncharacteristically rocky. Early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, where he fell to Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi, respectively, raised eyebrows, especially given his lack of a clay-court win this year. His decision to skip Rome, a key Roland Garros warm-up, was particularly alarming, with Courier noting, “It’s worrying because that’s the best place to get ready for Roland Garros. The conditions are very similar.” The withdrawal, announced without a clear reason, marked Djokovic’s first absence from the Italian Open since 2007, intensifying concerns about his form. Yet, Courier cautions against counting him out, stating, “You write him off at your own peril,” emphasizing Djokovic’s proven ability to rebound.
The Serbian’s season hasn’t been without bright spots. A gritty win over Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open, despite a hamstring injury, and a Miami Open final run showed flashes of his vintage brilliance. “He’s not winning the matches he’s used to winning, but he has shown some really high peaks this year,” Courier said, highlighting Djokovic’s resilience. His choice to accept a wildcard into the Geneva Open, an ATP 250 event starting May 19, signals a strategic move to gain match practice. “It’s a good sign he’s taken a wildcard into Geneva this week, and he’s looking to get some matches there to build a little momentum,” Courier added, recalling how Djokovic’s semifinal run in Geneva last year fueled a deep Roland Garros campaign before a knee injury forced his withdrawal.
Djokovic’s history at Roland Garros—three titles, including his 2023 triumph—makes him a perennial contender, even at No. 6 in the rankings. His 20 clay-court titles and ability to problem-solve in best-of-five-set matches give him an edge, as Courier noted: “He’s got every reason to believe that given the longer form that Roland Garros best of five sets has, he will have more time to problem-solve.” However, a tough draw looms, with potential clashes against top seeds like Jannik Sinner or Alcaraz. “It’s not going to be easy,” Courier admitted, but suggested Djokovic could thrive against players like Taylor Fritz, where he’d likely be favored.
The physical demands of a Grand Slam at 38 are daunting, as Caroline Wozniacki observed: “When you get older, your body is not the same as it used to be. You don’t recover as easily.” Yet, Djokovic’s meticulous fitness regimen—gluten-free diet, hyperbaric chambers, and relentless conditioning—has defied age, much like Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson in their sports. “Tennis is a sport where it’s necessary to nurture that mentality of, ‘It’s never enough,’” Djokovic said, underscoring his hunger to keep pushing. His 2024 Olympic gold in Paris, won at the same Roland Garros courts, further bolsters his confidence.
Courier’s faith in Djokovic stems from his unmatched mental toughness and adaptability. Despite a season with only six tournaments and a 37-9 record, Djokovic’s decision to play Geneva shows he’s not ready to concede. “If he gets two or three matches out of this tournament, that’s perfect. That’s all he needs for a little momentum,” Courier said. As the French Open draw nears, all eyes will be on whether Djokovic can channel his storied resilience to silence doubters and chase history once more.
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, faces a challenging 2025 French Open after a winless clay season, but Jim Courier warns, “You write him off at your own peril.” At 38, Djokovic’s early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, followed by an Italian Open withdrawal, raised concerns. “It’s worrying because that’s the best place to get ready for Roland Garros,” Courier said of Rome’s absence. Yet, Djokovic’s wildcard entry into the Geneva Open signals determination. “It’s a good sign he’s taken a wildcard into Geneva this week, and he’s looking to get some matches there to build a little momentum,” Courier noted.
Despite losses to Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi, Djokovic showed brilliance with an Australian Open win over Carlos Alcaraz while injured and a Miami Open final run. “He’s not winning the matches he’s used to winning, but he has shown some really high peaks this year,” Courier said. His three Roland Garros titles and 20 clay-court trophies give him an edge, as “the longer form that Roland Garros best of five sets has, he will have more time to problem-solve.” A tough draw awaits, with potential clashes against Jannik Sinner or Alcaraz. “It’s not going to be easy,” Courier admitted.
Djokovic’s fitness—gluten-free diet and hyperbaric chambers—keeps him competitive. “Tennis is a sport where it’s necessary to nurture that mentality of, ‘It’s never enough,’” he said. His 2024 Olympic gold in Paris adds confidence. Though Caroline Wozniacki noted, “When you get older, your body is not the same,” Courier believes two or three Geneva matches could spark momentum. “If he gets two or three matches out of this tournament, that’s perfect,” he said. As Roland Garros begins May 25, Djokovic’s resilience makes him a dangerous contender.
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