As Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, navigates a pivotal moment in his illustrious career, Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge has issued a sobering assessment of the Serbian star’s future. At 37, Djokovic, now ranked World No. 5, is grappling with a season of uncharacteristic setbacks, including a title-less 2024—the first since 2017 without a Grand Slam—and unexpected losses to younger players. Woodbridge, a 16-time Grand Slam doubles winner, believes the next few weeks, particularly at Roland Garros, could determine whether Djokovic continues his storied career or follows Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer into retirement. “The invincibility factor has worn down, and he’s got to make that decision,” Woodbridge said, pointing to Djokovic’s recent withdrawal from the Italian Open as a sign of strategic regrouping.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a tale of resilience amid adversity. After reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals, where he fell to Carlos Alcaraz, he secured his 17th ATP 500 title in Rotterdam, defeating Alex de Minaur. “This week has been a really good week,” Djokovic said, savoring the victory despite battling a cold. However, his clay season faltered. A Monte-Carlo Masters title briefly restored him to No. 2, but injuries and losses followed. In Barcelona, he lost to Holger Rune in the final, citing discomfort in his right adductor. “I felt something in my right adductor which set alarm bells ringing,” he admitted. His subsequent withdrawal from Madrid and Rome, coupled with a stunning defeat to Jakub Mensik in Doha, raised concerns about his physical recovery. “Physically, you can see he’s not bouncing back the way he was before,” Woodbridge observed, noting that Djokovic’s aura of invincibility is fading as opponents like Mensik seize their moment.
Woodbridge’s analysis, shared on the Australian Open’s YouTube channel, paints a critical picture. “He’s now losing to people he’s never lost to, and they’re all starting to go out there, going, ‘Oh, this could be my chance now,’” he said. The decision to skip Rome, a tournament Djokovic has played annually since 2007, suggests a focus on Roland Garros, where he aims for a record-extending 25th major and his 100th tour-level title. “If he can perform well in Paris, we’ll see him stick around,” Woodbridge predicted, but a poor showing could signal the end. “The next five or six weeks are crucial for Novak,” he added, warning that a lackluster performance might prompt Djokovic to reassess his future, especially with Wimbledon as his last realistic shot at a 2025 major.
Djokovic’s mental fortitude remains a cornerstone of his game. Despite slipping out of the top 5 for the first time since 2007, he’s defiant about retirement. “It’s not enough for me,” he said, dismissing suggestions of slowing down. His 2024 season, while trophyless in majors, included a Wimbledon final and an Olympic gold medal, proving he can still compete with the best. Yet, the rise of Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz, who split the 2024 majors, has shifted the landscape. “Novak’s ability to do the 1% is better than anybody,” Woodbridge said, but he questioned whether Djokovic can find the extra edge needed. “Where does he find the extra 1% when he’s already done everything possible?”
Off the court, Djokovic is exploring new ventures, hinting at a collaboration with Maria Sharapova as wellness ambassadors for Aman Resorts. This move, coupled with his selective 2025 schedule—focusing on majors and high-profile events like the Six Kings Slam—suggests a man balancing legacy with longevity. As he prepares for Roland Garros, where he’s a three-time champion, Djokovic’s resolve will face its ultimate test. “I know what is my level,” he declared, a reminder of the champion’s unyielding spirit. For Woodbridge, the clock is ticking: “If he decides that he’s got no more to give, you deserve to do whatever you want to do.” Whether Djokovic defies the odds or steps away, his next moves will shape one of tennis’s greatest legacies.
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