Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, has arrived at Wimbledon 2025 with a fire in his eyes and history in his sights. The 38-year-old, who boasts a record 24 Grand Slam titles, is chasing an eighth Wimbledon crown to match Roger Federer’s men’s record and his 100th career win on grass, a milestone that would cement his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. After a challenging season marked by injury and form struggles, Djokovic’s return to the All England Club, where he has lifted the trophy seven times, promises a gripping chapter in his storied career. His first practice session, scheduled for June 24, 2025, signals the start of a campaign that could redefine tennis history.
Djokovic’s 2025 has been a rollercoaster. A hamstring injury forced him to retire from the Australian Open semifinals against Alexander Zverev in January, and early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid raised questions about his form. Yet, the Serbian silenced doubters by clinching his 100th ATP singles title at the Geneva Open in May, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in a grueling three-set final. “I’m just grateful to clinch the 100 here,” Djokovic said courtside, his family—including his wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara—cheering from the stands. The victory, his first since winning Olympic gold at Paris 2024, showcased the resilience that has defined his career. Now, as he prepares for Wimbledon, where he holds a 99-10 grass-court record, Djokovic is ready to tap into that same tenacity.
The quest for an eighth Wimbledon title is deeply personal. “Wimbledon is my childhood favourite tournament. I’m going to do everything possible to get myself ready,” Djokovic declared after his French Open semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner on June 6, 2025. That defeat, an emotional straight-sets battle, saw him bid a tearful farewell to the Roland Garros crowd, unsure if he’d return. But Wimbledon, where he last won in 2022, feels like home. His 2023 and 2024 finals losses to Carlos Alcaraz, including a straight-sets rout last year, have only fueled his hunger. “I was proud of my effort tonight in this tournament, considering I wasn’t in great form,” he said post-Paris, hinting at the grit he’ll bring to London.
Djokovic’s path to title No. 8 is fraught with challenges. Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, and Sinner, the world No. 1 with 20 consecutive Grand Slam match wins, loom as formidable rivals. Alcaraz’s “phenomenal” performance in 2024 left Djokovic grasping for answers, as he admitted, “Alcaraz was just too much today.” Meanwhile, Sinner praised Djokovic’s “amazing” level in Paris, noting, “I had to step up and play the best tennis I could.” The Serbian also faces a new generation, including Zverev and Daniil Medvedev, who could exploit any physical vulnerabilities, especially after his 2024 knee injury at Roland Garros. Yet, Djokovic’s 382 Grand Slam match wins—a men’s record—and his ability to summon “beast mode,” as Hurkacz described in Geneva, make him a perennial threat.
Beyond the court, Djokovic’s journey carries emotional weight. His 2024 Olympic triumph, a tear-soaked victory over Alcaraz, completed his Career Golden Slam, a feat he called “the pinnacle of my career.” Now, a 25th major would see him surpass Margaret Court’s all-time record, a goal he’s openly chasing. “Standing alone with 25 Grand Slam titles is the biggest target left,” he said after Geneva. Wimbledon also offers a chance to break Ken Rosewall’s record as the oldest men’s Slam champion, set at 37 in 1972. At 38, Djokovic’s longevity is a testament to his discipline and mental fortitude, forged in his war-torn Serbian childhood, as he once shared: “Somehow I found a way to win.”
As Djokovic steps onto Wimbledon’s practice courts, the tennis world holds its breath. Will he reclaim Centre Court’s crown, or will the new guard prevail? With 1,375 career matches and a legacy unmatched in men’s tennis, Djokovic’s pursuit of history is a saga of grit, glory, and unrelenting ambition.
Neka počne sezona trave! 🟩🟪#NoleFam #Djokovic #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Y3K8oWJ2br
— Wolfy 🇷🇸 (@BigBadWolfWolfy) June 22, 2025
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