As Novak Djokovic eyes his elusive 25th Grand Slam title, some of his former ATP peers are offering sobering yet respectful insights into what might lie ahead for the Serbian legend.
Former top American players John Isner and Steve Johnson recently weighed in on Djokovic’s future, both expressing that 2025 could represent his final realistic opportunity to add to his Grand Slam tally—particularly at Wimbledon or the US Open.
🗣 Isner on Djokovic’s Chances
“I hope I’m wrong here, but it seems like Djokovic has two chances left in his career to win a Grand Slam, and that’s at Wimbledon and the US Open,” said Isner.
Reflecting on Djokovic’s performance at recent events, Isner added:
“If he can serve like he did in Miami—at times reaching 83% first serves—he can absolutely win Wimbledon this year. Even maintaining 65% on first serve gives him a great shot.”
Isner acknowledged Djokovic’s elite physical conditioning but suggested that time is catching up, and the margins are becoming finer for success at this stage of his career.
🗣 Johnson Points to Physical Challenges
Steve Johnson echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Djokovic’s physical struggles over long tournaments.
“I’d say Wimbledon is his best chance, just from a physical standpoint. The French Open? Probably not. We’ve seen him run out of gas twice this year—at the Australian Open and Miami—which sounds crazy to even say about Novak.”
Johnson emphasized that avoiding the grueling clay-court battles may help Djokovic stay fresher and more dangerous on the faster grass surface.
🎾 Final Outlook
- Best Shot: Wimbledon 2025
- Wildcard Hope: US Open
- Biggest Concern: Physical endurance across two-week Slams
- Sentiment: Respectful realism, tinged with hope that Djokovic can still defy the odds
Though both former pros acknowledge the Serb’s remarkable resilience and legacy, their assessments reflect a changing tide in tennis—where even the greatest eventually face the limits of time.