Novak Djokovic remains a towering figure in world tennis, even as he enters the latter stages of his career. At 38, the Serbian superstar is still chasing records and rewriting the sport’s history books. Wimbledon 2025 has once again placed him at the centre of global attention, with fans and pundits eager to see if he can claim an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title and match Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon crowns.
A Gruelling Start at Wimbledon
Djokovic’s opening match at Wimbledon this year was anything but routine. Facing France’s Alexandre Muller, he started in commanding fashion, taking the first set 6-1. However, the match soon turned into a physical and mental battle. Djokovic lost the second set in a tense tie-break and began to struggle with a stomach issue that left him visibly uncomfortable on court.
During the third set, he called for a doctor and was given what he later described as “miracle pills.” The medication took time to work, but once it did, Djokovic’s energy returned, and he swept through the third and fourth sets to secure a 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2 victory. After the match, Djokovic expressed relief and gratitude, saying, “I went from feeling my absolute best for a set and a half to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes… but the energy kicked back after some doctor’s miracle pills and I managed to finish the match on a good note”.
Despite the scare, Djokovic never considered retiring from the match. His resilience and determination were on full display, and he credited Muller for making it a real contest. The victory marked his 98th win at Wimbledon, an astonishing feat that underscores his enduring quality at the All England Club.
Chasing History: The 25th Grand Slam
Djokovic’s ambitions at Wimbledon are clear. He is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would move him past Margaret Court’s all-time record and further cement his status as the most successful player in tennis history. He is also seeking his eighth Wimbledon title, which would see him equal Federer’s record for the most men’s singles championships at the tournament.
In recent years, Djokovic has faced stiff competition from a new generation of stars, including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated the Grand Slam scene since Djokovic’s last major win at the US Open in 2023. Yet, Djokovic believes Wimbledon remains his best chance to reclaim the sport’s biggest prizes, saying, “I always felt grass is the surface where I play my best tennis so why not do it again?”.
The 2025 Season: Highs, Lows, and Milestones
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a mix of triumphs and challenges. He started the year at the Brisbane International and reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open, where he retired due to injury. He claimed his 100th ATP singles title at the Geneva Open, becoming the first player to win at least one singles title in 20 consecutive seasons. His overall career record now stands at 1106 wins to 224 losses, with a win percentage above 83%—a testament to his consistency and longevity.
His form in 2025 has been solid, though not as dominant as in previous years. Djokovic currently holds an ATP ranking of sixth, with 11 wins from 18 matches this season and a 61% win rate. He continues to serve with accuracy, landing nearly 65% of first serves and averaging almost six aces per match. Despite some early exits in tournaments like Indian Wells and Doha, Djokovic’s ability to peak for Grand Slams remains unmatched.
Personal Life and Motivation
Djokovic’s journey is not just about statistics and trophies. His wife, Jelena, remains a constant source of support, often seen courtside during his matches. Djokovic has spoken about the importance of family, mental strength, and motivation in maintaining his elite level. He has also expressed a desire for “more consistency” in 2025 and believes he can “go strong for years to come”.
His relentless drive is evident in his approach to training and competition. Djokovic has said, “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I had a chance. I think I always have a chance and have earned my right to feel that I can go all the way to the title”.
The Challenge Ahead
The path to a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam is far from easy. Djokovic faces a tough draw at Wimbledon, with potential matchups against home favourite Dan Evans and British No. 1 Jack Draper in the early rounds. The tournament field is stacked with in-form players, and the physical demands of best-of-five-set matches are significant—especially for a player in his late thirties.
Yet, if history has shown anything, it is that Djokovic thrives under pressure. His ability to adapt, recover, and raise his level when it matters most is what sets him apart from his rivals.
Conclusion
Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of tennis immortality continues to captivate fans around the world. Whether he lifts the Wimbledon trophy for an eighth time or not, his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in history is secure. For UK tennis fans, watching Djokovic compete at the All England Club is a reminder of the enduring appeal of champions who refuse to fade quietly. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will remain on Centre Court, where Djokovic’s quest for history is far from over.
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