At 38, Novak Djokovic continues to defy the odds, carving his name deeper into tennis history with every swing of his racket. Yet, as he battles for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon 2025, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has offered a candid perspective on the Serbian legend’s career. Speaking on TNT Sports, Kyrgios suggested that Djokovic is “on his last legs,” a blunt assessment tempered by his acknowledgment of the champion’s enduring brilliance. “He’s still an amazing player and he can still compete,” Kyrgios noted, highlighting Djokovic’s ability to remain a formidable force despite the emergence of a new generation led by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s pursuit of a historic 25th major trophy has been anything but smooth. During his recent Wimbledon match against Alex de Minaur, the Serbian appeared to struggle with a breathing issue, a rare moment of vulnerability for a player known for his relentless fitness. Conducting breathing exercises during changeovers, Djokovic later explained, “I was trying to manage the breathing after 30-plus shot rallies from the back of the court. You need a breather and don’t have much time.” Despite the challenge, he battled through what he described as his “worst set in years” to secure a victory, showcasing the resilience that has defined his career. This win keeps him in contention for an eighth Wimbledon title, a feat that would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in any sport.
Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist who pushed Djokovic to the limit in their 2022 clash, believes the tennis landscape is shifting. “I think Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be carrying this sport for the next 10-15 years,” he said, pointing to the young stars’ dominance. Alcaraz, the defending Wimbledon champion, and Sinner, the world number one, have already claimed major titles in recent years, signaling a changing of the guard. Djokovic’s last Grand Slam triumph came at the 2023 US Open, tying him with Margaret Court for the most major singles titles at 24. However, 2024 saw him go without a major, a rare drought for a player who has dominated men’s tennis for over a decade. Kyrgios’s observation that “there has already been a changing of the guard” reflects the growing challenge Djokovic faces in fending off these rising stars.
Despite his age and the physical toll of a grueling career, Djokovic remains a competitor to be feared. His performance against de Minaur, though marred by moments of struggle, demonstrated his ability to adapt and overcome. Kyrgios, who has faced Djokovic both as an opponent and a doubles partner in their entertaining Brisbane International appearance in 2024, acknowledges this tenacity. “He’s still got plenty left in the tank,” Kyrgios said during recent commentary, emphasizing that Djokovic’s health and mindset could keep him in the second week of majors for another year or two. This sentiment echoes Kyrgios’s earlier praise during Wimbledon’s quarter-final coverage, where he noted, “I feel like Djokovic is kind of playing some of the best tennis I’ve seen him play in the last couple of years here. He looks like his body is feeling really good, he looks injury-free.”
The dynamic between Kyrgios and Djokovic adds intrigue to this narrative. Once known for their public spats—Kyrgios famously criticized Djokovic’s “cringeworthy” celebrations and called him out during the 2020 pandemic for hosting a controversial exhibition tournament—the two have since forged an unlikely friendship. Their recent doubles partnership in Brisbane, where they dazzled fans with trick shots and camaraderie, highlighted a mutual respect. Kyrgios’s current perspective blends admiration with realism, recognizing Djokovic’s greatness while acknowledging the inevitable toll of time.
As Wimbledon 2025 progresses, Djokovic faces a formidable challenge in the semifinals against Jannik Sinner, a matchup that tests his endurance against the sport’s new guard. Kyrgios, sidelined by injuries but still a vocal presence in tennis, sees Alcaraz and Sinner as the future. “Alcaraz will carry our sport a long way. He will be the face of this sport alongside Sinner,” he said, predicting that Alcaraz could challenge Djokovic’s record of 24 majors if he stays healthy. Yet, for now, Djokovic remains a towering figure, driven by an unrelenting desire to add to his legacy. Whether he can defy Kyrgios’s prognosis and claim another Grand Slam remains to be seen, but his journey continues to captivate the tennis world.
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