Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, stands at a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. With 24 Grand Slam titles, he is tied with Margaret Court for the most in tennis history, a record that underscores his dominance across decades. Yet, the elusive 25th major, which would place him alone atop the sport’s pantheon, has remained just out of reach over the past two seasons. As the 2025 season unfolds, former opponents John Isner and Steve Johnson have weighed in with a bold prediction: this year may be Djokovic’s final shot at etching his name deeper into the record books.
At 37, Djokovic is no stranger to defying expectations. His 2023 season was a masterclass, with three Grand Slam victories and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon. But 2024 was a different story. For the first time since 2017, he failed to claim a major, a stark contrast to his usual relentless pursuit of titles. Despite reaching the Wimbledon final and the semifinals at the Australian Open, injuries and a formidable new generation led by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz kept him from the winner’s circle. His lone triumph came at the Paris Olympics, where he outlasted Alcaraz in a thrilling final to secure a long-sought gold medal, proving he can still summon brilliance against the sport’s brightest stars.
Isner, a former top-10 player known for his towering serve, offered a candid assessment of Djokovic’s prospects. Speaking on the Nothing Major Show alongside fellow retiree Sam Querrey, he pinpointed two tournaments as Djokovic’s best chances for a 25th Slam: Wimbledon and the US Open. “I hope I’m wrong here, but it seems like he has two chances left in his career to win a Grand Slam, and that’s at Wimbledon and the US Open,” Isner said. He emphasized the ticking clock, noting that at 37, the physical demands of the sport are increasingly unforgiving. “It just seems like 2025 is his last opportunity to win a Slam. It’s either going to happen at Wimbledon or the US Open,” he added, acknowledging the slim but tantalizing possibility of Djokovic turning back time in 2026.
Steve Johnson, another former pro who faced Djokovic’s relentless precision on court, echoed Isner’s sentiments but zeroed in on Wimbledon as the prime opportunity. The grass courts of the All England Club, where Djokovic has lifted the trophy seven times, suit his game perfectly. Johnson highlighted the physical toll of clay-court battles at the French Open, suggesting they may be too taxing for Djokovic at this stage. “If he has a chance, I’d say Wimbledon, just from a physical standpoint,” Johnson explained. He stressed the importance of an “easy first week” to conserve energy, setting the stage for a deep run. An early draw that avoids grueling five-setters could be the key to Djokovic navigating the fortnight and emerging victorious.
Djokovic’s 2025 campaign has already shown flashes of his enduring prowess. His run to the Miami Open final in March, where he faced