Novak Djokovic may not have added to his record haul of Grand Slam titles in 2024, but those who know the sport best believe it would be a mistake to write off the Serbian great just yet. Despite a season that, by his lofty standards, was less fruitful, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is still considered a potent force capable of adding to his legacy in 2025. French tennis pundit Benoit Maylin is one of the many experts urging caution to anyone underestimating Djokovic’s ability to bounce back.
Djokovic’s extraordinary résumé speaks for itself: the most Grand Slam singles titles in men’s history, a career Grand Slam achieved multiple times over, and an ability to reinvent himself time and again as the competition has intensified. The 2023 season was a reminder of his dominance, as he claimed three of the four majors and the ATP Finals title, a feat he last accomplished in 2015. Yet, the story of his 2024 campaign was markedly different. Injuries, notably a meniscus tear, and an emotionally taxing schedule left him without a Slam title for the first time since 2017. Even so, he managed to claim Olympic gold in Paris, a triumph that Maylin believes took a significant emotional toll on the tennis icon.
In a discussion with *Sans Filet*, Maylin shed light on Djokovic’s mindset and prospects. “But where is Djokovic?” Maylin asked, addressing those who have begun to doubt the aging champion. “Because he qualified for the Masters [ATP Finals], so there’s talk. ‘The guy is burned out, no longer motivated. He won’t even win a Grand Slam anymore.’ Stop.”
Maylin underscored that the notion of dismissing Djokovic is premature. He highlighted how Djokovic, even in a turbulent year, managed to qualify for elite events and consistently challenge the best. “We’re talking about Novak, and we tend to forget that in 2023, he was monstrous in winning three of the four Grand Slams plus the Masters [ATP Finals]. This year, despite a knee operation, he wanted gold around his neck at all costs – and he did it. This Olympic title, which he had been chasing since 2008, drained him emotionally. He needed to recharge his batteries,” Maylin explained.
Indeed, Djokovic’s Olympic pursuit was the culmination of a 16-year dream. Winning the gold medal in Paris was a crowning achievement, but one that also demanded a heavy toll. For a player renowned for his meticulous approach to training and competition, the emotional high was followed by an understandable lull. “Djokovic knows that his time is running out; he will be 38 on May 22, so he preferred to take a break to regenerate,” Maylin noted.
The upcoming 2025 season, however, presents a new chapter. Djokovic, now ranked outside the ATP Top 5, faces the formidable task of dethroning rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, both of whom have emerged as elite players. Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in an unforgettable Wimbledon final in 2024, marking a symbolic passing of the torch moment for many observers. Sinner, meanwhile, has proven a consistent thorn in Djokovic’s side, with wins over the Serbian at critical junctures, including in the Shanghai Masters final and during their Australian Open semi-final showdown.
Yet Maylin remains confident in Djokovic’s potential resurgence. “I bet you that he will be very dangerous again in 2025,” Maylin asserted. “Until he wins a 25th Grand Slam title? Yes. And why not a 26th? There are not many favorites left on clay, nor on grass – so you see where I’m going with this.”
The emphasis on clay and grass courts is no accident. Djokovic’s mastery on these surfaces has been a hallmark of his career. While he faces stiff competition from players like Alcaraz, who is already being touted as the next great clay-court champion, and Sinner, who has shown versatility across surfaces, Djokovic’s experience and tactical genius remain unmatched. His understanding of the nuances of court surfaces, combined with his physical conditioning and mental toughness, make him a perennial threat. Maylin’s belief that Djokovic could still secure more Grand Slams, particularly on clay and grass, is far from baseless.
In reflecting on Djokovic’s challenging 2024 season, it is worth noting the setbacks he endured. A meniscus injury forced him out of the French Open, cutting short what could have been a deep run at Roland Garros. His third-round exit at the US Open to Alexei Popyrin was another surprise, showing that even the best are vulnerable. However, Djokovic’s 37-9 record on the ATP Tour this year is a testament to his resilience and skill, even when not at his peak.
Heading into 2025, Djokovic’s motivation will be fueled by the knowledge that his window for further greatness is narrowing. But if history has taught us anything about Djokovic, it is that he thrives in adversity. Whether it is defying the odds or silencing doubters, his capacity to rebound is remarkable. As Maylin and many others have predicted, writing off Novak Djokovic could be a grave mistake. Should he channel his focus, rejuvenate his energy, and avoid major injuries, the 25th—and potentially 26th—Grand Slam title could well be within reach. And if he achieves it, the tennis world will once again bear witness to the indomitable spirit that has defined his illustrious career.