Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis icon with a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, stands on the precipice of history as he aims to become the oldest man to win a major in the Open Era. At 38, Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th major title, which would set him apart from Margaret Court’s all-time record, has drawn attention from the current record holder, Australian legend Ken Rosewall. The 90-year-old Rosewall, who claimed the 1971 Australian Open at 36 years and 73 days, recently offered his perspective on Djokovic’s chances. “Another one wouldn’t hurt,” Rosewall quipped, acknowledging the Serbian’s relentless drive and enduring legacy. “Age is just a number, legacy lasts forever,” he added, a nod to Djokovic’s remarkable career that continues to defy time.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of vulnerability. His triumph at the Geneva Open in May, where he clinched his 100th ATP Tour title, showcased his ability to compete at the highest level, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in a grueling three-setter. This milestone placed him in elite company alongside Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as the only men to reach a century of titles in the Open Era. Yet, his Grand Slam campaigns this year have been less fruitful. A semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open ended his 33-match win streak at Melbourne Park, while a knee injury forced him to withdraw from the French Open after the fourth round. At Wimbledon, he reached the final but fell to Carlos Alcaraz, and a third-round exit at the US Open, which he later described as “some of the worst tennis” he’d ever played, raised questions about his physical resilience.
Despite these setbacks, Djokovic’s hunger for a record-breaking 25th major remains undiminished. His Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024, a thrilling victory over Alcaraz that completed his career Golden Slam, was a testament to his enduring prowess. “When I take everything into consideration, this probably is the biggest sporting success I ever had in my career,” Djokovic said, reflecting on the emotional weight of standing on the podium with a Serbian flag draped around him. The victory, sealed with a forehand winner after two tiebreakers, underscored his ability to deliver under pressure, even at 37. However, the physical toll of a best-of-five-set format has become a growing challenge. “Playing best-of-five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically,” he admitted after his Wimbledon loss to Sinner, where he felt his “tank half-empty” against younger, fitter opponents.
Rosewall’s record as the oldest men’s major winner, set over half a century ago, remains a formidable benchmark. His 1971 Australian Open triumph came against Arthur Ashe in straight sets, a testament to his finesse and durability in an era with fewer technological aids and recovery methods. Djokovic, by contrast, benefits from modern sports science but faces a new generation of stars like Sinner and Alcaraz, who have split the last seven majors. John McEnroe, commenting on Djokovic’s Wimbledon semifinal defeat, noted, “We were watching a better version of Novak Djokovic playing himself,” highlighting Sinner’s ability to mirror Djokovic’s rally tolerance and court coverage while capitalizing on his youth. McEnroe added, “Father time is undefeated,” suggesting that Djokovic’s window to break Rosewall’s record may be narrowing.
Yet, Djokovic’s career is a study in defying expectations. He holds records for the most weeks at No. 1 (428), most year-end No. 1 finishes (eight), and most ATP Masters 1000 titles (40). His ability to win across all three surfaces—hard, clay, and grass—sets him apart, as does his triple Career Grand Slam, a feat unmatched by any other man. The 2026 Australian Open, where he boasts a 96-9 win-loss record, offers a prime opportunity to eclipse Rosewall’s mark. “I still push myself on a daily basis at this age because of these kinds of matches,” Djokovic said after reaching the Roland Garros semifinals in 2025, becoming the second-oldest man to do so in the Open Era.
As Djokovic prepares for the next chapter, Rosewall’s words echo as both encouragement and a challenge. The Serbian’s legacy is secure, but his pursuit of one more major could redefine tennis history. With Sinner and Alcaraz pushing him to his limits, the road ahead demands not just skill but extraordinary resilience. The tennis world watches eagerly, wondering if Djokovic can once again turn back time.
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