**Novak Djokovic’s French Open Quest Disrupted by Friend’s Health Crisis**
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, faces emotional and physical challenges at the 2025 French Open as he pursues a record-breaking 25th major title, with his close friend and physiotherapist, Miljan Amanovic, hospitalized after emergency surgery, per EssentiallySports.com. The Serbian’s campaign, already tested by a painful blister requiring a medical timeout, reflects his resilience amid personal and professional adversity, akin to Luke Littler’s grit after his 2025 Premier League Darts final loss.
**Amanovic’s Health Scare**
On May 29, 2025, Djokovic revealed Amanovic’s dire condition post his second-round win over Corentin Moutet (6-3, 6-2, 7-6(7-1)), stating, “Unfortunately, Miljan is in the hospital. He had a serious situation today and underwent surgery… We’re all very concerned,” per @ozmo_sasa on X. Amanovic, stable but requiring days in hospital, has been a key figure since 2007, aiding Djokovic through injuries like his 2023 Australian Open hamstring tear, per EssentiallySports.com. Their bond, described by Djokovic as familial—“Miljan is one of the closest people in my life” (TennisWorldUSA.org, 2024)—adds emotional weight, with Gebhard Gritsch supporting Amanovic, per @Awax92.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/atp-tennis-news-french-open-novak-djokovics-slam-dream-shaken-as-close-friend-battles-serious-health-issues/)
**Djokovic’s On-Court Struggles**
During his three-hour Moutet match, Djokovic took a medical timeout in the third set for a blister on his left foot, requiring blood drainage and injections, per Footboom1.com. “It wasn’t pleasant,” he said, noting age-related recovery challenges without Amanovic, per EssentiallySports.com. Despite a 101.80 average (PDC-style metrics) and 32 winners, he saved a set point, per RolandGarros.com. His 2025 form—12-7, with first-round losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid—has been shaky, but his 100th title in Geneva boosted confidence, per BBC Sport. Djokovic faces Denis Shapovalov or Filip Misolic next on June 1, with a tough draw including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, per Forbes.com.[](https://www.footboom1.com/en/news/tennis/2588556-djokovic-faces-challenges-after-friend-s-hospitalisation-at-french-open)[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/atp-tennis-news-french-open-novak-djokovics-slam-dream-shaken-as-close-friend-battles-serious-health-issues/)[](https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/cqxe3en17wgo)
**Historical Context and Resilience**
Amanovic’s 2017 heart attack, linked to tour stress, led to a temporary split, but their 2023 reunion proved vital, per EssentiallySports.com. Djokovic’s 2025 Australian Open semi-final withdrawal due to a hamstring injury and a Rome water bottle incident further tested him, per The Athletic. Yet, his emotional presence at Rafael Nadal’s May 25 tribute, where he admitted, “A big part of me left with him,” shows his capacity to endure, per TNT Sports. Aryna Sabalenka’s defense—“Leave him alone”—reflects peer support, per Express.co.uk.[](https://www.essentiallysports.com/atp-tennis-news-french-open-novak-djokovics-slam-dream-shaken-as-close-friend-battles-serious-health-issues/)[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6298162/2025/04/26/novak-djokovic-tennis-ranking-grand-slams/)
**Parallels to Littler’s Grit**
Djokovic’s resolve mirrors Luke Littler’s response to his 11-8 darts final loss to Luke Humphries on May 29, 2025, where he vowed to “break his own records” despite a foam finger incident, per Express.co.uk. Like Littler’s rally against Gerwyn Price, Djokovic’s push through physical pain and emotional strain, supported by peers like Sabalenka, aligns with Venus Williams’ praise for Coco Gauff, Holger Rune’s spectator clash, and Alex de Minaur’s schedule critique, showcasing athletes’ fortitude, per Sportskeeda.com.
**Conclusion**
Novak Djokovic’s 2025 French Open dream of a 25th Grand Slam is shaken by Miljan Amanovic’s emergency surgery and his own blister issue, per EssentiallySports.com. His 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(7-1) win over Moutet shows resilience, per Footboom1.com. Like Littler’s darts vow, Williams’ Gauff support, Rune’s fire, and de Minaur’s fight, Djokovic’s grit endures. He faces Shapovalov or Misolic on June 1, live on TNT Sports.
