As the 2025 French Open looms on the horizon, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, finds himself at a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. At 37, the Serbian superstar is navigating a season of unexpected challenges, with early exits in key tournaments raising questions about his form on clay. Paul Annacone, the former coach of tennis legend Roger Federer, has weighed in with pointed advice for Djokovic as he prepares for Roland Garros, urging a strategic approach to peak at the right moment. With the clay-court Grand Slam set to begin in late May, Annacone’s insights offer a roadmap for Djokovic to reclaim his dominance on the red dirt of Paris.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag, marked by a 12-6 record and a surprising second-round loss to world No. 32 Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he fell 3-6, 4-6. This defeat, coupled with opening-match losses in Doha to Matteo Berrettini and Indian Wells to Botic van de Zandschulp, has fueled speculation about his readiness for the grueling demands of clay. Despite reaching the Miami Open final, Djokovic’s clay campaign has yet to ignite, prompting Annacone to emphasize the importance of periodization. “The most important thing for players at this stage, in this level, is to periodise, ‘How am I gonna get ready for Roland Garros?’” Annacone said, highlighting the need for Djokovic to prioritize the French Open over smaller events.
Annacone, who guided Federer to multiple Grand Slam titles, believes Djokovic’s experience and mental fortitude will prevent panic despite recent setbacks. “He’s gonna have some of these losses, but because he knows how good he is, he’s not going to panic, his confidence isn’t going to crash,” Annacone noted. He advises Djokovic to conserve energy and focus on physical and mental preparation, leveraging his ability to perform without extensive warm-up tournaments—a trait he shares with Federer. This strategic scheduling, Annacone argues, is critical for a veteran player “walking on eggshells” to avoid costly mistakes, a sentiment echoed by Federer’s former coach Severin Luthi in 2023.
Djokovic’s history at Roland Garros is a blend of triumph and tribulation. His 2023 French Open victory, a straight-sets masterclass against Casper Ruud, secured his record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s mark. That win, celebrated with a speech in French, underscored his emotional connection to the tournament, which he called “the most difficult for him to win.” Yet, clay has often been his kryptonite, as Andy Roddick pointed out after Monte Carlo, noting that cold, slow conditions and unresponsive balls hinder Djokovic’s game. “You know what else is kryptonite for someone who’s 38? Cold, slow and balls that are unresponsive,” Roddick said, contrasting Djokovic’s Olympic success in warmer conditions last year.
To prepare for Paris, Djokovic is expected to compete in the Madrid Open, starting April 22, offering a chance to fine-tune his clay game. Annacone’s advice aligns with Djokovic’s new coaching dynamic under Andy Murray, whose partnership began at the 2025 Australian Open, yielding a semifinal run. Murray, a former rival, has praised Djokovic’s intensity, noting, “The best players take it seriously and they want to improve.” This collaboration could be key as Djokovic aims to overcome a tough draw, potentially facing Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, or a resurgent Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic’s motivation remains a focal point. With Nadal and Federer retired, some, like Federer’s former coach Ivan Ljubicic, question his drive for non-major events. Yet, Djokovic’s pursuit of a 100th ATP title and his Olympic gold in 2024, defeating Alcaraz 7-6(7-3), 7-6(7-2), suggest his fire still burns. Annacone’s counsel—to stay healthy and peak for Roland Garros—resonates with Djokovic’s own words: “I waited for this moment and worked really, really hard.” As he eyes a third French Open title, Djokovic’s ability to heed Annacone’s advice could define his 2025 legacy, proving that even at 37, he remains a force to be reckoned with on clay.
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