Novak Djokovic is no stranger to chasing history, but as the 2025 US Open approaches, the Serbian legend finds himself on the cusp of one of the most defining moments of his career. The 38-year-old enters his 19th campaign at Flushing Meadows with a singular mission: to secure his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
A historic pursuit
Currently tied with Margaret Court at 24 majors, Djokovic stands at the edge of rewriting tennis history. His last taste of Grand Slam glory came at the 2023 US Open, where he dispatched Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to lift the trophy. Since then, he has remained in the mix at nearly every major, reaching semifinals consistently but falling short of crossing the finish line.
Wimbledon 2024 proved particularly painful, with Novak Djokovic narrowly missing his landmark victory after falling to Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final. In 2025, consistency has not been the issue—the Serbian maestro has reached the semifinals at all three majors this year—but fortune and form have conspired to delay his quest for No. 25.
Strategic preparation for flushing meadows
What makes Djokovic’s 2025 US Open campaign intriguing is his preparation—or rather, the lack of traditional match play. After a Wimbledon semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner, Djokovic opted out of hard-court tune-ups in Canada and Cincinnati. Critics argue that his absence from competitive matches could impact his rhythm, but Djokovic has always been a master strategist when it comes to conserving energy and peaking at the right moment.
Crucially, the men’s singles draw has tilted slightly in his favor. With Alcaraz positioned as a potential semifinal opponent and Sinner not crossing his path until the final, Novak Djokovic’s route to the championship match looks significantly less daunting. Early matchups against Learner Tien in round one and a qualifier or lucky loser in round two provide him with a chance to settle in before potentially meeting stiffer competition like Sebastian Korda, Holger Rune, or Frances Tiafoe later on.
Why 2025 could be the year for Novak Djokovic
The key factor propelling Djokovic’s push this year is the blend of experience and opportunity. At 38, he is not the most physically dominant player on tour, but his mental fortitude, tactical awareness, and ability to handle high-pressure situations remain unmatched. His draw ensures that he avoids his two biggest modern rivals—Alcaraz and Sinner—until the closing stages, giving him a legitimate shot at extending his legacy.
“Grand Slam number 25 could be on the cards,” many experts are already saying, and for Novak Djokovic, the US Open has historically been a stage of triumph. With favorable conditions and his eyes set firmly on history, Flushing Meadows might just witness one of the greatest milestones in tennis.