Novak Djokovic enters the 2025 US Open with history on the line, but questions surrounding his preparation continue to spark debate. While fans remain divided over the Serbian legend’s chances, his Davis Cup teammate has stepped in with a bold perspective — one that suggests Djokovic’s physical readiness will be the ultimate decider in New York.
Djokovic skips lead-up tournaments ahead of US Open
The 38-year-old has not played since his Wimbledon semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner, opting to skip the Masters 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati. This decision raised eyebrows as it left him without competitive match play in the lead-up to Flushing Meadows.
Still, Novak Djokovic has a track record of arriving at Grand Slams fresh and focused. Having already reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon this season, he now seeks to capture a record-equalling fifth US Open crown — and potentially become the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in history.
Lajovic offers bold assessment of Djokovic’s chances
Speaking to Sport Klub, Serbian star Dusan Lajovic, a long-time Davis Cup teammate of Djokovic, shared his outlook on the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s readiness.
“For 97 percent of other tennis players, I would say – yes, but for Novak – no,” said Lajovic. “He did it earlier in his career, maybe not now, but before Australia he did not play in a tournament for a long time, which is a break of a month and a half, maybe even longer than now.”
Lajovic explained that Novak Djokovic’s early rounds often serve as a warm-up compared to other players who rely heavily on Masters events.
“Realistically, the first three rounds of the Slam are mostly a warm-up for him, if we look at the statistics and history. It comes to him as a preparatory tournament that the others have in Cincinnati and Toronto or wherever.”
Physical endurance remains Novak Djokovic’s biggest test
Despite his confidence in Djokovic’s adaptability, Lajovic admitted that age and physical endurance could pose challenges.
“The biggest obstacle for Novak this year at the Slams is his physical preparation, we all saw that. If he manages to match them physically, to play consecutive matches with the top 10 players – now his draw is like that… If he succeeds, Novak is the favourite just like Sinner and Alcaraz.”
He further highlighted the growing strength of Novak Djokovic’s rivals. “Sinner showed at Wimbledon that he knows how to deal with a heavy defeat at Roland Garros, thus gaining another level of self-confidence. Alcaraz and Sinner are physically a little bit in front, but when Novak plays at his best – he’s invincible.”
A defining moment in Djokovic’s career
As Djokovic prepares to step onto the courts of Flushing Meadows, his ability to balance physical durability with championship mentality will be put to the test. For many, the question remains not about his skill, but about whether he can still endure grueling battles against a younger generation.
Or as Lajovic put it: “I’d like him to be ready for the whole match, so let’s see where the 38-year-old man is against the much younger ones.”
If Novak Djokovic succeeds, it won’t just be another Grand Slam win — it will be a monumental moment in tennis history.