As the 2025 Roland Garros tournament unfolds on the clay courts of Paris, Novak Djokovic continues to captivate the tennis world with his relentless pursuit of greatness. At 38, the Serbian superstar is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, and his performance has drawn praise from former American tennis star John Isner. Djokovic’s journey through the tournament, marked by grueling matches and a display of his trademark resilience, has solidified his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats, with Isner offering candid admiration for the Serb’s enduring dominance.
Djokovic’s path at Roland Garros this year has been anything but straightforward. Facing a tough field and the physical demands of clay-court tennis, he has battled through intense matches, including a marathon five-setter in the fourth round against Francisco Cerundolo, which lasted over four and a half hours. This victory, described by many as one of the most physically taxing of his career, showcased his ability to dig deep under pressure. “I don’t know how he does it,” Isner remarked during a recent interview. “To go out there at his age, play four-and-a-half hours, and still come out on top—it’s incredible. I’m not surprised, but I’m certainly impressed.” Isner, known for his own marathon matches, including the historic 11-hour Wimbledon epic in 2010, understands the toll such battles take, making his praise all the more significant.
The Serbian’s campaign at Roland Garros comes on the heels of a challenging 2025 season. Djokovic, who has held the World No. 1 ranking for a record 428 weeks, arrived in Paris without a title this year, a rare drought for a player who has won 24 Grand Slams. Injuries, including a knee issue that required minor surgery earlier in the season, and a dip in form have raised questions about his ability to compete with younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Yet, Djokovic has silenced doubters with his performance in Paris, advancing to the later stages with a blend of precision, mental fortitude, and tactical brilliance. His ability to adapt to the slow, grinding clay surface—historically his toughest challenge—has been a testament to his versatility. “He’s the greatest for a reason,” Isner said. “You can never count him out, no matter the surface or the situation.”
Djokovic’s Roland Garros run is not just about chasing records. A victory here would make him the oldest men’s singles champion in the tournament’s history, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s 2022 record. It would also further cement his legacy in the GOAT debate, where he already leads Nadal (22 Slams) and Roger Federer (20 Slams). His 2023 French Open title, which completed a career Grand Slam for the third time, underscored his ability to defy age and expectations. This year, despite early exits in tournaments like the Australian Open and Monte Carlo Masters, Djokovic has looked sharper with each match in Paris, navigating tricky opponents and unpredictable conditions.
Isner, who retired in 2023 after a 17-year career, highlighted Djokovic’s mental toughness as a key factor. “The guy’s a machine, mentally and physically,” he noted. “You see him out there, fighting for every point, and you know he’s not just playing for himself—he’s playing for history.” Isner’s comments reflect the broader sentiment in the tennis community, where Djokovic’s work ethic and longevity are seen as unparalleled. His preparation, which includes a meticulous diet, yoga, and recovery routines, has allowed him to maintain an elite level into his late 30s, a feat Isner believes sets him apart. “I don’t think we’ll see another player like him for a long time,” he added.
As Djokovic progresses, likely facing formidable opponents like Alexander Zverev or Casper Ruud in the later rounds, the tennis world watches with bated breath. His ability to overcome physical setbacks, including a minor knee tweak during the Cerundolo match, underscores his resilience. Off the court, Djokovic has also navigated personal challenges, including his advocacy for player welfare through the Professional Tennis Players Association and occasional controversies, such as his comments on gender pay gaps. Yet, his focus remains laser-sharp, with Roland Garros offering a chance to add another chapter to his storied career.
For Isner, watching Djokovic’s run brings a mix of awe and nostalgia. “As a player, you respect what it takes to compete at that level, especially on clay,” he said. “Novak’s doing things that make you shake your head in disbelief.” As the tournament heads toward its climax, Djokovic’s quest for a 25th Grand Slam continues to inspire, proving that even in a sport increasingly dominated by youth, experience and determination can still reign supreme.
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