Can Djokovic do the unthinkable at the 2025 French Open?
24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is entering a crucial juncture of his career. At the age of 37, ‘Nole’ could be approaching the finishing line sooner rather than later. Djokovic gave his fans a sense of fresh hope in March, when he reached the final of the Miami Open. However, things have gone downhill since then – the Serbian icon lost in his opening round at Monte Carlo and Madrid – before pulling out of the 2025 Italian Open in Rome.
Djokovic’s current form sparks huge concerns ahead of the red dirt major at Roland Garros. He is chasing the elusive 100th tour-level title as well as a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam. After making a shock Madrid Open exit vs Matteo Arnaldi, the Djoker admitted that he is unsure whether he will return to the Spanish capital. In a recent podcast episode, two tennis pundits have reiterated how the former World No. 1 defies all tennis logic.
Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick was recently discussing Novak Djokovic’s dip in form on his ‘Served’ podcast. Alongside him was Jon Wertheim – renowned journalist and tennis expert. Addressing the 10-time Australian Open winner’s superhuman ability, Roddick stated, “I need to just admit that I have no idea what Novak’s going to do, ever.”
“After Madrid, I’m like ‘Oh gosh he’s going to be in a rush to find matches right?’ He’s lost a bunch of first rounds, you want to get those match reps. And then he pulls out of Rome. I literally have no idea ever!” Responding to the same, Wertheim explained why Djokovic can afford to take such decisions that leave everyone gobsmacked.
“For his entire career, he [Djokovic] has resisted conventional wisdom. He has had so many data points now of times where it’s paid off for him to follow his gut and his intuition, and sort of resist conventional wisdom. I think that’s really a factor in all of this.” With regards to the critics claiming that Djokovic should call it a day, Wertheim’s counter is clear – “he has so many data points of his guy paying off – outwitting biology and time.”
In a massive pre-Roland Garros update, Djokovic accepted a wildcard to play the Geneva Open between 18-24 May. It will be his second appearance at the Swiss event – he also featured here last year before the French swing. The World No. 6, who reached the semifinal stage in Geneva last year, will look to improve on that performance in order to gather momentum before heading to Paris.
Other noteworthy names scheduled to compete at the Geneva Open are Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud. Meanwhile, the likes of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Barcelona champion Holger Rune are likely to play the ATP-500 in Hamburg. Djokovic will resume his quest for the 100th title at the 250-level competition in Switzerland.
