Novak Djokovic stands on the brink of history as he attempts to clinch his 25th Grand Slam title, which would make him the most decorated player in tennis history. Approaching his 38th birthday in January, Djokovic will compete at the Australian Open, where he already has an impressive ten titles.
Historically, Djokovic is now older than any Grand Slam singles champion in the Open era. Six-time Grand Slam winner Stefan Edberg believes Djokovic's best opportunities lie in the Australian Open and Wimbledon, citing his vast experience as a pivotal asset, although he acknowledges the increasing physical demands and competition at this late stage in Djokovic's career.
Last year marked a rare challenge for Djokovic, who failed to win a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017 and did not secure an ATP title for the first time since 2005. The only highlight was winning Olympic gold by defeating Carlos Alcaraz, just two months after knee surgery. Billie Jean King raised the crucial question of Djokovic's focus moving forward, suggesting he should target one specific title as the pinnacle of his ambitions.
At 37, Djokovic faces the reality of age. Ken Rosewall remains the oldest Grand Slam titleholder, having won at 37 in 1972. Comparatively, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both won their last majors at 36. However, Djokovic’s past performances show that he thrives under pressure, and Edberg reminds fans that motivation can defy age, especially with Djokovic's goal of breaking records.
While Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz represent formidable younger challengers, many seasoned players have found success beyond their thirties in recent years. Djokovic has indicated that he will participate in more tournaments in 2025 to keep pace with competitors, having recently practiced with former player Andy Murray, who is now coaching him, adding another layer of strategy to his game.
The presence of Murray—only days apart in age—offers Djokovic not just tactical insights but also fresh inspiration and motivation. As the tennis scene evolves, Djokovic's legacy grows, and the question remains whether he can defy the odds yet again in his pursuit of Grand Slam greatness.