As the 2025 tennis season gains momentum, Novak Djokovic, the Serbian maestro with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, has received a resounding vote of confidence from a former world No. 1, fueling excitement about his prospects for a historic 25th major triumph. At 38, Djokovic remains a towering figure in men’s tennis, and despite a challenging 2024 season that saw him fall to world No. 6, his relentless drive and unmatched pedigree continue to inspire belief in his ability to defy the odds. With the French Open underway at Roland Garros, where Djokovic is chasing a record-extending fourth title, the endorsement from a respected voice in the sport underscores his enduring threat on the global stage.
Djokovic’s 2024 season was a departure from his usual dominance. For the first time since 2017, he failed to capture a Grand Slam, with his best result being a runner-up finish at Wimbledon, where he fell to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. A meniscus tear forced him to withdraw from the French Open before the quarterfinals, and a shock third-round loss to Alexei Popyrin at the US Open marked a rare low. Yet, amid these setbacks, Djokovic achieved a monumental milestone: a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, defeating Alcaraz in a thrilling final to complete a Career Golden Slam. This victory, described by journalist Steve Flink as “the best two-set match I have ever seen,” showcased Djokovic’s ability to rise to the occasion against the sport’s brightest young stars.
Entering 2025, Djokovic faced early hurdles, including a semifinal retirement at the Australian Open due to a hamstring injury and a string of losses that saw him slip outside the top five for the first time in years. However, his fortunes turned at the Geneva Open, where he clinched his 100th ATP title, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in a hard-fought final. This triumph, coming just days before the French Open, reignited his confidence. “I think it was a good move, to be honest, because I was struggling a little bit with [my] confidence level, doubting my game a bit,” Djokovic said of his decision to compete in Geneva. “It was good that I got four matches under my belt, won a title.”
Rennae Stubbs, a former world No. 1 in doubles and Serena Williams’ ex-coach, has now added her voice to the chorus of those backing Djokovic to add to his Grand Slam tally. Despite his recent struggles, including a surprising defeat to Matteo Arnaldi at the Madrid Open, Stubbs remains optimistic. “Do I think he can still win a Slam, of course! He’s the greatest player of all time,” she declared. However, she cautioned that confidence is critical: “You have to earn it and currently his confidence is getting chipped away at more and more.” Stubbs highlighted the challenge posed by younger rivals like Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz, noting that players like Arnaldi are now capitalizing on key moments, signaling a shift in the game’s dynamics. “It’s not Novak anymore,” she observed, pointing to the rising fearlessness of the next generation.
Djokovic’s 2025 campaign has been marked by strategic changes, including a brief coaching stint with Andy Murray, another former world No. 1, which ended by mutual agreement after the Australian Open. The partnership, though short-lived, was praised for its potential to reinvigorate Djokovic. “Andy’s always been a great tactician,” said former British No. 1 Tim Henman, who noted that Murray’s insights could motivate Djokovic against top opponents. Now, as Djokovic navigates Roland Garros, where he opened with a commanding 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over Mackenzie McDonald, his focus is clear: surpassing Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. “I actually was considering winning a 25th Grand Slam before, so it hasn’t changed much,” he said. “But it’s true that after the Geneva title, I feel more confident. I feel more positive about my level of play because I had a lot of concerns.”
The road ahead is daunting, with Sinner and Alcaraz dominating recent majors. Sinner, the world No. 1, and Alcaraz, the reigning French Open champion, have claimed the last five Grand Slams, presenting a formidable challenge. Yet, Djokovic’s history of resilience—evidenced by his 10 Australian Open titles, seven Wimbledon crowns, and unmatched 428 weeks as world No. 1—suggests he remains a force to be reckoned with. His ability to outlast opponents, as seen in his epic 2024 Olympic final against Alcaraz, underscores his mental and tactical prowess. As Stubbs and others rally behind him, Djokovic’s quest for a 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros is not just a personal ambition but a chance to cement his legacy as the greatest men’s player in history. With the tennis world watching, the Serbian legend is poised to prove that his story is far from over.
# Novak Djokovic Backed for Grand Slam Glory in 2025 by Former World No. 1
## A Champion’s Resilience
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has received a powerful endorsement from former world No. 1 Rennae Stubbs as he aims for a record-breaking 25th major title in 2025. At 38, Djokovic remains a dominant force, despite a challenging 2024 season that saw him drop to world No. 6.
## A Mixed 2024
Djokovic’s 2024 was marked by highs and lows. He reached the Wimbledon final but lost to Carlos Alcaraz, withdrew from the French Open due to a meniscus tear, and suffered a shock US Open exit to Alexei Popyrin. His crowning achievement was an Olympic gold medal, defeating Alcaraz in a match hailed as “the best two-set match” by journalist Steve Flink.
## A Confidence Boost
After early 2025 struggles, including a semifinal retirement at the Australian Open, Djokovic’s 100th ATP title in Geneva restored his belief. “I was struggling a little bit with [my] confidence level, doubting my game a bit,” he admitted. “It was good that I got four matches under my belt, won a title.”
## Expert Endorsement
Rennae Stubbs, Serena Williams’ former coach, believes Djokovic can still win majors. “Do I think he can still win a Slam, of course! He’s the greatest player of all time,” she said. However, she noted his waning confidence: “You have to earn it and currently his confidence is getting chipped away at more and more.” Stubbs highlighted the challenge from rising stars like Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz.
## Strategic Shifts
Djokovic’s brief coaching partnership with Andy Murray aimed to spark new motivation. “Andy’s always been a great tactician,” said Tim Henman, suggesting the collaboration could help Djokovic counter top rivals. At Roland Garros, Djokovic opened with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 win over Mackenzie McDonald, signaling his intent. “After the Geneva title, I feel more confident,” he said, eyeing a historic 25th Grand Slam.
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