As the tennis world turns its gaze toward Flushing Meadows for the 2025 US Open, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is back on the practice courts, fueling anticipation for a historic campaign. At 38, the Serbian legend is defying time, returning to training in Montenegro after a well-earned break following his Wimbledon semifinal run. With a hard court under his feet at the luxurious Portonovi resort, Djokovic is honing his game for the final Major of the season, set to run from August 24 to September 7. His sights are set on a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, a feat that would cement his legacy as the greatest in tennis history, surpassing even Margaret Court’s record. Social media clips of his intense practice sessions have fans buzzing, with one post capturing the moment declaring, “Novak je započeo pripreme pred put u Ameriku na US open,” signaling the start of his journey to New York.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a testament to his enduring brilliance. Despite not adding to his Major tally this year, he reached the semifinals of all three Grand Slams—Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon—joining Jannik Sinner as the only men to achieve this feat in 2025. Losses to Sinner and Alexander Zverev showcased the physical toll of competing against a younger generation, yet Djokovic remains undaunted. “I know what are my capabilities and I know what I am able to achieve,” he said, reflecting on his ability to tune out speculation about his form. His decision to skip the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters, opting instead for a family holiday in Croatia and Greece, underscores a strategic approach to conserve energy for the US Open, where he triumphed in 2023, defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
This year, Djokovic is adding a twist to his US Open preparation by partnering with compatriot Olga Danilović in the revamped mixed doubles event, scheduled for August 19-20 during Fan Week. The tournament, boasting a $1 million prize and star pairings like Carlos Alcaraz with Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, offers Djokovic a chance to test his form before the singles draw begins. “The mixed doubles will be a good opportunity to test his condition,” noted a fan on social media, echoing the sentiment that this could sharpen his edge. His 2023 Cincinnati final against Alcaraz, a thrilling deciding-set tiebreak, proved his hard-court prowess, and he’s banking on similar magic in New York.
Djokovic’s practice sessions in Montenegro, where he trained last year before his Olympic gold medal triumph in Paris, reveal a player still hungry for glory. “I see every Grand Slam that I play right now as really a golden opportunity to make more history,” he said earlier this year, emphasizing the weight of each Major at this stage of his career. His Olympic victory, a career-defining moment that completed his collection of tennis’s most prestigious titles, has only fueled his drive. Beating Alcaraz in that Paris final marked his 99th career title, leaving him one shy of a historic 100. A fifth US Open crown would not only edge him closer to Jimmy Connors’ record of 109 titles but also make him the oldest men’s singles champion in the tournament’s history.
The road ahead is daunting. Sinner and Alcaraz, the sport’s new titans, loom large, with Sinner’s 23-match hard-court streak and Alcaraz’s recent French Open and Wimbledon titles setting a high bar. British veteran Dan Evans, who faced Djokovic at Wimbledon, summed up the challenge: “The truth is that Djokovic plays at a very high level… but these two hurdles are too tough even for him at 38.” Yet, Djokovic’s serve, a weapon that delivered 33 aces in just seven sets at Wimbledon, remains a potent force. “If I play like today, I feel like I have a very good chance against anybody,” he said after his Wimbledon win over Evans, a confidence he’ll carry to New York’s hard courts.
Off the court, Djokovic’s journey resonates deeply. From a war-torn Serbia to global stardom, his story is one of resilience. “This is the sport that has given me so much in my life,” he reflected after his 2023 US Open win, crediting his family’s sacrifices. As he prepares for the 2025 US Open, Djokovic’s blend of grit, gratitude, and unrelenting ambition makes him a formidable contender, ready to chase history once more.
Nole today in Montenegro 🐐❤️🔥
The kindest 🥰pic.twitter.com/TpmhF8NGs2
— ᖴᖇᗩᑎI (@frani2312) August 13, 2025
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