As the 2025 US Open approaches, all eyes are on Novak Djokovic, who is aiming for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title.
However, the 38-year-old Serbian faces formidable challenges, including stiff competition from rising stars and the physical demands of the tournament.
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander offers insight into what Djokovic needs to secure victory in New York.
The challenge of facing top contenders
Wilander, a former World No. 1, acknowledges Djokovic‘s exceptional skill but points out the difficulty of facing both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the same tournament.
“Looking at the last matches that he’s played against Sinner and Alcaraz, I think he may need some help to win that 25th Grand Slam,” Wilander remarked.
He suggests that Djokovic might benefit if one of these top players were eliminated earlier in the tournament.
“I think we need something to happen to them, to at least one of them, because to beat Sinner, and then to beat Alcaraz and having to beat someone like Jack Draper maybe before… that’s tough for any player, even if your name is Novak Djokovic. So I do think that he does need a little bit of help from the other guys.”
Recent encounters have seen Djokovic struggle against these younger opponents. He was defeated by Sinner in the semifinals at both the French Open and Wimbledon, and although he managed to beat Alcaraz at the Australian Open, he had to retire in the semifinal against Alexander Zverev.
Physical endurance: A crucial factor
At 38, Djokovic‘s physical endurance becomes a significant factor. Wilander emphasizes that winning a Grand Slam requires consistent performance over several rounds, which can be taxing at any age.
“He needs to beat four players in a row to win a Grand Slam and they might all be really tough. That’s the big problem. It’s not the level he is at. It’s trying to bounce back from winning match after match,” Wilander explained.
Taking time to focus on family despite career pressures
Ahead of the 2025 US Open, the Serbian star revealed that he has not participated in any ATP events sinceRoland Garros, choosing instead to dedicate time to family and intensive training.
Family considerations play a crucial role in Djokovic‘s current schedule. His daughter Tara‘s birthday coincides with the US Open, underscoring the personal sacrifices involved in his professional commitments.
“Those are types of things that I really don’t want to be missing anymore. So, it’s just on a personal level for me important to be there, to show up, you know, for the people that have been showing up for me for all these years playing tennis.”
Despite his limited match play leading up to the tournament, his experience and strategic approach position him as a strong candidate for his 25th Grand Slam title.
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