As the 2025 French Open unfolds on the red clay of Roland Garros, tennis legend John McEnroe has sparked intrigue with his bold assessment of Novak Djokovic’s chances. The 38-year-old Serbian, a three-time champion in Paris, is entering the tournament with a favorable draw and renewed momentum after clinching his 100th ATP singles title at the Geneva Open. Yet, McEnroe places Djokovic as the “third favorite” behind world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, a ranking that underscores both the Serb’s enduring greatness and the formidable challenges ahead.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. After a scintillating semifinal run at the Australian Open, his form dipped with early exits in Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, and Rome. Injuries, including a knee issue that forced him to withdraw from last year’s French Open before the quarterfinals, have tested his resilience. However, his recent triumph in Geneva, where he battled past Hubert Hurkacz in two tiebreaks, signals a return to form. “Man sollte ihn einfach nicht abschreiben,” McEnroe declared, emphasizing that writing off Djokovic is a perilous mistake. The American icon believes the Serb’s draw, which pits him against Mackenzie McDonald in the first round and potentially Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, is the “best of anyone” for a deep run.
McEnroe’s analysis hinges on Djokovic’s ability to capitalize on any slip-ups from the top two favorites. Sinner, the Australian Open champion, and Alcaraz, who defended his Roland Garros title in 2024, have dominated the last five men’s Grand Slams. “And who knows with the other guys. What happens if one of them gets hurt? You don’t know,” McEnroe said, suggesting that an injury to either Sinner or Alcaraz could catapult Djokovic into prime position. A potential semifinal clash with Sinner and a final against Alcaraz loom as daunting hurdles, but McEnroe sees Djokovic’s experience and favorable draw as key advantages.
Djokovic’s history at Roland Garros adds weight to McEnroe’s confidence. The Serb has won the title three times (2016, 2021, 2023) and claimed Olympic gold on the same Parisian clay in 2024. His 85% win percentage at the tournament speaks to his adaptability on a surface where Rafael Nadal once reigned supreme. Yet, McEnroe’s caution reflects Djokovic’s recent struggles on clay, including a loss to Alcaraz in Madrid and a knee injury exacerbated by a grueling 3:08 a.m. finish against Lorenzo Musetti last year. “It’s a black eye for our sport,” McEnroe fumed about the scheduling, blaming it for contributing to Djokovic’s meniscus tear.
The Serbian’s pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title is a driving force. With 24 majors, he already holds the men’s record, but Paris offers a chance to further cement his legacy as the greatest of all time. “Es wäre eine große Sache, wenn es mir gelingen würde, diesen Rekord zu brechen,” Djokovic said, referencing his admiration for Jimmy Connors, whose 100-title milestone he matched in Geneva. His family, including wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara, celebrated that milestone courtside, a reminder of the personal stakes fueling his campaign.
Despite his age and recent setbacks, Djokovic remains a formidable force. His first-round opponent, McDonald, poses little threat, but the road to the final could include Medvedev, a player he’s faced in high-stakes matches before. McEnroe’s tempered optimism reflects the delicate balance: Djokovic’s experience and mental fortitude make him a perennial contender, but Sinner’s consistency and Alcaraz’s clay-court dominance are steep obstacles. “He’s 38. He’s too old. It caught up to him,” skeptics might say if Djokovic falls short, but McEnroe counters, “You don’t count him out.”
As Roland Garros kicks off, Djokovic’s quest is about more than a title—it’s about defying time and expectations. McEnroe’s endorsement, while ranking him third, underscores the Serb’s knack for turning adversity into triumph. With a favorable draw and a renewed fire, Djokovic is poised to remind the tennis world why he remains a titan on the clay.
# Novak Djokovic: The Third Favorite at Roland Garros 2025
## A Season of Ups and Downs
At 38, Novak Djokovic has faced a turbulent 2025. A semifinal run at the Australian Open showcased his brilliance, but early exits in Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, and Rome raised doubts. A knee injury forced him out of the 2024 French Open, and a grueling 3:08 a.m. finish against Lorenzo Musetti didn’t help. “It’s a black eye for our sport,” John McEnroe said, criticizing the scheduling that contributed to Djokovic’s meniscus tear.
## A Milestone in Geneva
Djokovic’s 100th ATP title at the Geneva Open, a hard-fought victory over Hubert Hurkacz, marked a turning point. “Es wäre eine große Sache, wenn es mir gelingen würde, diesen Rekord zu brechen,” he said, honoring Jimmy Connors’ legacy. Celebrated with his family, this milestone has rekindled his hunger for a 25th Grand Slam.
## McEnroe’s Verdict
John McEnroe ranks Djokovic as the “third favorite” behind Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. “Man sollte ihn einfach nicht abschreiben,” he warned, noting Djokovic’s favorable draw—the “best of anyone.” Facing Mackenzie McDonald in the first round and potentially Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, Djokovic could reach the semifinals, where Sinner awaits. “And who knows with the other guys. What happens if one of them gets hurt?” McEnroe mused, highlighting Djokovic’s opportunity if the top seeds falter.
## The Road to Redemption
Djokovic’s 85% win rate at Roland Garros and 2024 Olympic gold on Parisian clay underscore his pedigree. Yet, Sinner’s consistency and Alcaraz’s title defense make them formidable. A semifinal against Sinner or a final against Alcaraz would test Djokovic’s resilience, but his experience could tip the scales.
## A Legacy on the Line
Chasing a record-extending 25th major, Djokovic remains a titan. McEnroe’s tempered optimism reflects the stakes: age and injuries loom, but Djokovic’s grit endures. As Paris beckons, the Serb’s quest is a testament to his refusal to be counted out, ready to seize any chance to etch another chapter in his storied career.
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