As the red clay of Roland Garros welcomed the 2025 French Open, Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian legend and world No. 6, launched his quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title with a commanding 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over American Mackenzie McDonald on May 27. The three-time champion’s clinical performance on Court Philippe-Chatrier reaffirmed his status as a formidable contender, but former British No. 1 Tim Henman pinpointed a lingering “question mark” over Djokovic’s campaign: his stamina in the grueling five-set format of Grand Slams. Despite a season marked by a 100th ATP title in Geneva and a renewed hunger, Henman’s analysis casts a shadow over Djokovic’s ability to endure the physical demands of Paris, where younger rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner loom large.
Djokovic’s first-round win was a masterclass in efficiency, wrapping up in just over two hours. His 73% first-serve point rate and 28 winners underscored his precision, even as a brief rain delay sparked a heated exchange with the chair umpire over court conditions. “When he’s playing well, he’s still so hard to beat,” Henman noted, acknowledging Djokovic’s unmatched experience and mental fortitude. Yet, the British commentator, a former world No. 4 who reached six Grand Slam semifinals, expressed concern about Djokovic’s physical resilience. “The one question mark is going to be his stamina, and that’s because of his age,” Henman said. “To win seven best-of-five-set matches, you have to be at your absolute physical peak.” At 38, Djokovic is the oldest player in the men’s draw, and his 2025 season has shown signs of wear, with an injury-forced retirement in the Australian Open semifinals against Alexander Zverev and early exits in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Indian Wells.
The Serbian’s clay-court campaign has been a mixed bag. While he reached the Italian Open semifinals, losing to Alcaraz, his Geneva triumph over Hubert Hurkacz marked his first title since the 2023 ATP Finals. “He’s still got the game, and winning Geneva shows he’s in form,” Henman conceded, but he highlighted the unique challenge of Roland Garros’s slow, heavy clay. Djokovic’s 369 Grand Slam match wins, tying Roger Federer’s record, and his 24-11 clay record this season reflect his enduring prowess, but Henman’s doubts center on the marathon nature of best-of-five-set matches. “When you look at Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverev, they’re all in their 20s, and that physical edge could be the difference,” Henman added, pointing to the demanding two-week grind.
Djokovic’s history at Roland Garros is illustrious, with titles in 2016, 2021, and 2023, the latter a five-set thriller over Alcaraz. His ability to outlast opponents, as seen in his 2010 semifinal epic against Jürgen Melzer, has defined his career. Yet, recent physical setbacks, including a hip issue in Melbourne and a wrist concern in Rome, have fueled skepticism. “I have not thought about the exact date of my retirement yet,” Djokovic said post-match, dismissing speculation about his career’s endgame. His new coach, Dusan Vemic, has revitalized his preparation, emphasizing movement and recovery, but Henman’s warning resonates as Djokovic faces a tough draw, with potential clashes against Zverev, Sinner, or Alcaraz.
Off the court, Djokovic’s intensity remains unmatched. A recent reunion with Andy Murray and Roger Federer at Rafael Nadal’s tribute ceremony on May 25 stirred nostalgia, with Djokovic joking about Murray’s coaching stint: “I didn’t take that as a joke.” His passion for the sport, evident in his 2023 comment, “I have been having some love affairs with the fans here,” fuels his drive despite hostile Parisian crowds. The McDonald match saw flashes of this fire, as he argued for the roof to be closed during rain, a move some criticized as gamesmanship. “When he’s playing well, this is what it feels like for the player down the other end,” Murray once said, a sentiment McDonald likely felt as Djokovic broke him five times.
As Djokovic prepares for his second-round match against Corentin Moutet or Clement Tabur, Henman’s caution looms large. “If he’s going to win, he’s going to need every ounce of energy,” Henman warned, noting the physical toll of facing younger, fresher opponents. With Alcaraz and Sinner dominating the ATP’s youth movement, Djokovic’s quest for a fourth Roland Garros title is as much a test of endurance as skill. Yet, his defiant spirit and unmatched resume suggest he’s far from finished, ready to answer doubters with every forehand and serve on the Parisian clay.
# Tim Henman Raises Concerns Over Novak Djokovic’s Endurance at the 2025 French Open
## First-Round Dominance
On May 27, 2025, Novak Djokovic defeated Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 at Roland Garros, with 28 winners and a 73% first-serve point rate. “When he’s playing well, he’s still so hard to beat,” Tim Henman said, despite a rain-delayed umpire dispute.
## Henman’s Concern
Henman highlighted Djokovic’s stamina as a “question mark” at age 38. “To win seven best-of-five-set matches, you have to be at your absolute physical peak,” he said, noting younger rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s 2025 injury retirement in Melbourne and early clay losses fuel doubts.
## Season Context
Djokovic’s Geneva title, his 100th ATP triumph, showed form, but a 24-11 clay record and losses in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Indian Wells raise concerns. “He’s still got the game,” Henman noted, but the clay’s physical demands test his endurance.
## Looking Ahead
Facing Moutet or Tabur next, Djokovic, with 369 Grand Slam wins, eyes a 25th major. “I have not thought about the exact date of my retirement yet,” he said. Henman warned, “If he’s going to win, he’s going to need every ounce of energy,” as Djokovic battles youth and history.
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