Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is making headlines with significant updates as he prepares for the 2025 Roland Garros, starting May 25. The 37-year-old Serbian, currently ranked No. 6, has faced a challenging clay season, prompting strategic decisions to bolster his chances at a record-extending 25th Major title. Here’s the latest on his preparations, marked by a surprising tournament entry and a coaching shake-up.
Djokovic, who has struggled on clay in 2025 with early exits in Monte-Carlo (lost to Alejandro Tabilo, 6-4, 6-3) and Madrid (lost to Matteo Arnaldi, 6-3, 6-4), made the unexpected choice to skip the Italian Open, a key French Open tune-up. Instead, he accepted a wild card into the ATP 250 Geneva Open (May 19–24), aiming to gain crucial match practice on clay before Paris. This decision, announced on May 9, 2025, mirrors his 2024 Geneva appearance, where he reached the quarter-finals before a semi-final run at Roland Garros. “I need more matches to feel confident,” Djokovic said, per *TennisWorldUSA*, emphasizing his focus on peaking for Grand Slams despite a 0-2 clay record this season.[](https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Novak_Djokovic/155634/huge-update-on-novak-djokovic-ahead-of-2025-roland-garros/)[](https://x.com/WeAreTennis/status/1920763964788457717)
Adding to the drama, Djokovic parted ways with coach Andy Murray on May 13, 2025, just six months after their partnership began. The split, announced via Djokovic’s social media, came after a semi-final retirement at the Australian Open due to a thigh injury and a runner-up finish in Miami. “Thanks to Andy for the incredible opportunity,” Djokovic wrote, while Murray wished him well for the season. The collaboration, which started with promise, failed to deliver a title, leaving Djokovic without a coach for Roland Garros. He’s reportedly training in Belgrade under compatriot Boris Bosnjakovic, who assisted him in 2024 post-Goran Ivanisevic
Djokovic’s No. 6 ranking means a tough draw, potentially facing Alex de Minaur, Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev, or Tommy Paul in the fourth round and Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, or Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals. *Punto de Break* notes he could drop to No. 8, complicating his path further. Despite his Olympic gold and clay win over Alcaraz in 2024, analysts like John Isner doubt his chances, citing his form and clay’s physical demands. Yet, Wally Masur warns against underestimating Djokovic’s five-set resilience.[](
With Geneva as his final prep and no coach confirmed, Djokovic’s Roland Garros bid is a high-stakes gamble, blending experience with uncertainty.
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