In a French Open campaign filled with cautious optimism, tennis legend Novak Djokovic is stirring intrigue and speculation, not just for his performance, but for the change in aura that surrounds him at Roland Garros 2025. While the Serbian icon has moved effortlessly into the fourth round, tennis pundits, including former British No. 1 Tim Henman, believe a deeper narrative is unfolding—one that signals a shift in Djokovic’s Grand Slam trajectory.
A new energy in Paris for Novak Djokovic
“He wasn’t my favourite to win coming into this event, but he was on my list as a potential winner if things went his way,” Henman told Tennis365, speaking from the TNT Sports studio at Roland Garros. “Sinner and Alcaraz have separated themselves from the rest at the moment, but Djokovic is in that next batch… that could cause a surprise and win.”
Despite Novak Djokovic’s clean record in the first three rounds—having dropped no sets—the sense of invincibility that once defined his presence in Paris seems to have mellowed. What has replaced it, however, is something more compelling: hunger, humility, and a renewed sense of belief after a crucial title win in Geneva just before the French Open.
Geneva title ignites confidence
Entering the clay court major with virtually no momentum, Djokovic surprised many by entering—and winning—the ATP 250 event in Geneva. The victory marked the 100th title of his career and seemed to inject vital energy into his French Open campaign.
“He had no clay court form ahead of that tournament in Geneva. He goes to play that tournament a week before a Slam and at his age, you look at that and question if he will be struggling for energy playing extra matches,” said Henman. “But I think the confidence he takes from a win… puts him in a good place.”
Djokovic echoed that sentiment after dispatching Filip Misolic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in the third round. “I have won nine out of nine sets and have been solid when I needed to be,” he stated. “There is always something to improve… but I am happy with my levels here so far.”
A Parisian high, but eyes on Wimbledon
Though Novak Djokovic seems comfortable in Paris, Henman believes his best shot at a record-extending 25th Grand Slam lies on the grass of Wimbledon, not the clay of Roland Garros.
“I would still look to Wimbledon as his best chance to win another Grand Slam,” Henman said. “Sinner and Alcaraz are strong favourites on this surface, but I look at Wimbledon and grass courts that should give Djokovic a little assistance… that’s where I see his best chance.”
Still, that doesn’t write off the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s ambitions in Paris. Djokovic’s fourth-round clash with Britain’s Cameron Norrie is expected to be a test of both form and resolve, before a potential quarter-final showdown with third seed Alexander Zverev.
“I wanted to play at the highest level and that’s what I’m doing, so I couldn’t be happier,” Djokovic affirmed, relishing the opportunity to break more records and redefine tennis longevity.
The mood feels different—for good reason
As the tennis world watches Novak Djokovic advance through Roland Garros 2025, the buzz isn’t about dominance—it’s about determination. The “mood” Henman referred to isn’t just a vibe; it’s a signal that Djokovic may be evolving, learning to channel experience over youthful force.
Whether it results in another French Open title remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Djokovic’s story is far from finished—and the next chapter might just be his most compelling yet.