As the lush green courts of Wimbledon 2025 come alive with the crack of tennis balls and the roar of the crowd, Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian legend, is once again chasing history. With a record-tying 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic is on a mission to claim an unprecedented 25th major, a feat that would cement his legacy as the greatest men’s tennis player of all time. However, his former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, has stirred debate with a candid assessment of Djokovic’s prospects, rejecting the notion that this Wimbledon is his “last chance” to achieve the milestone. “Everyone says this is his last chance — I don’t agree,” Ivanisevic declared, emphasizing Djokovic’s enduring prowess on grass. As the world number six powers through the early rounds at the All England Club, his quest for glory is a gripping narrative of resilience, experience, and defiance against the rise of a new generation.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by flashes of brilliance and unexpected setbacks. His most recent Grand Slam triumph came at the 2023 US Open, a victory that tied him with Margaret Court for the most major singles titles. Since then, the road has been challenging, with semi-final exits at the Australian Open and French Open, a third-round loss at the US Open, and a runner-up finish to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon 2024. Yet, Djokovic’s golden moment at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he outplayed Alcaraz in a thrilling 7-6(3), 7-6(2) final, proved he can still summon greatness. “These tournaments give me the biggest drive, still,” Djokovic said, reflecting on his hunger for major titles. His clinical 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 victory over Dan Evans in the second round of Wimbledon 2025 showcased his grass-court mastery, reinforcing his belief that the All England Club offers his best shot at number 25.
Ivanisevic, who coached Djokovic to nine Grand Slam titles before parting ways in 2024, remains a staunch supporter. Now working with Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Croatian coach marveled at Djokovic’s recent practice session, noting, “Such ease of movement, ease of play — the ball flies at 300 km/h thanks to his technique and timing.” He believes Djokovic’s experience on grass, where he’s won seven titles and holds an 85.5% win percentage, gives him an edge over younger rivals like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have dominated the last six majors. “He’s the best grass-court player, experienced, he knows exactly what it takes here,” Ivanisevic said, dismissing the idea that Djokovic’s window is closing. He even suggested the Serbian could play until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, provided his motivation holds.
Djokovic’s path at Wimbledon 2025 is fraught with challenges. With Alcaraz and Sinner as the top favorites, and a potential third-round clash against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic looming, the road to an eighth Wimbledon title—tying Roger Federer’s record—is daunting. “I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance, because of the results I had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon,” Djokovic admitted, acknowledging the surface’s unique demands. His ability to adapt on grass, where his precise footwork and defensive prowess shine, has kept him competitive, even as injuries like a 2024 meniscus tear and a 2025 hamstring issue have tested his resilience.
The narrative surrounding Djokovic’s career is tinged with questions about his longevity. At 38, he’s the last of the Big Three standing, with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer retired. Some, like former ATP star Nicolas Escude, argue that Djokovic is “on a downward slope,” citing the dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz. Others, like Mats Wilander, are more optimistic, proclaiming, “He’s got Andy Murray as his coach, he’s got to win a Slam.” Djokovic’s recent decision to bring Murray, a former rival, into his coaching team has added intrigue, with their collaboration yielding early promise at the Australian Open, where Djokovic set a record for the most Grand Slam matches played (430).
As Djokovic navigates Wimbledon’s third round, the tennis world watches with bated breath. His 2024 Olympic triumph and 100th ATP title in Geneva show he’s far from finished, yet the rise of younger stars and the physical toll of age loom large. “My wish is to play for several more years,” Djokovic said, tempering optimism with realism. Whether this Wimbledon is his last shot or just another chapter, his blend of skill, experience, and sheer will makes him a formidable contender, ready to defy the odds and chase history once more.
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