Djokovic Sounds Off: Can He Conquer the French Open?

Novak Djokovic, a name synonymous with tennis greatness, is heading into the 2025 French Open with a mix of “low expectations and high hopes,” as he put it himself. After a lackluster season by his standards, the Serbian superstar is candidly addressing his form and chances ahead of the prestigious clay-court tournament. Can he defy the odds and capture a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, or will the younger generation continue their dominance?

A Champion’s Perspective

Djokovic, who turned 38 on May 22nd, is no stranger to pressure. With 24 Grand Slam titles under his belt, he has consistently set the bar high for himself. However, this season has been different. “It’s not as smooth and easy for me as it was 10 years ago,” Djokovic admitted, acknowledging the changes in his life and career. Despite the challenges, his ambition remains undimmed. “Anything but a title for me is not satisfactory. It always has been like that,” he stated, a sentiment that some might find arrogant but one that is undeniably backed by his extraordinary career.

Form and Fitness Concerns

Djokovic’s 2025 season has been far from his best. A semi-final run in Australia and a final appearance in Miami are the only notable results. He has already suffered six losses to players ranked outside the world’s top 30, an uncharacteristic statistic for the former world number one. These defeats, including losses to Botic van de Zandschulp, Alejandro Tabilo, and Matteo Arnaldi, have raised concerns about his form and ability to compete at the highest level.

Adding to the concerns, Djokovic has also battled physical issues. A torn hamstring hampered his performance at the Australian Open, and he was visibly affected by a stye in Miami and Monte Carlo. These setbacks have disrupted his preparation and raised questions about his physical fitness heading into the grueling French Open.

Clay Court Struggles

Clay has traditionally been Djokovic’s least dominant surface, and his struggles on the red dirt this season have been particularly pronounced. He has lost both of his clay-court matches and is entering the French Open without a single victory on the surface this year. This is a stark contrast to previous years, where he typically secured at least one win on clay leading up to Roland Garros.

Despite the challenges, Djokovic is not one to back down from a fight. He has taken a proactive approach to address his form concerns, accepting a wildcard entry into the Geneva Open to gain some much-needed match practice before heading to Paris.

The Draw: A Path to Redemption?

Despite his recent struggles, Djokovic may have caught a break with a favorable draw at the French Open. As the sixth seed, he has avoided a particularly tough path to the later stages of the tournament.

• First Round: He will face Mackenzie McDonald in the opening round.
• Second Round: A qualifier or Corentin Moutet awaits in the second round.
• Third Round: Denis Shapovalov or Yunchaokete Bu could be his opponent in the third round.
• Fourth Round: A potential fourth-round clash could be against Daniil Medvedev, Ugo Humbert, or Stan Wawrinka.

While these opponents are all capable players, Djokovic would be favored in each of these matchups if he is playing at his best.

Potential Roadblocks Ahead

The real challenges for Djokovic are expected to begin in the quarter-finals, where he is projected to face third seed Alexander Zverev. Zverev, a 2024 French Open finalist, poses a significant threat. However, his recent illness and inconsistency could give Djokovic an edge. Other potential quarter-final opponents include Felix Auger-Aliassime and Grigor Dimitrov, both solid players but beatable for Djokovic if he is in form.

In the semi-finals, Djokovic could face top seed Jannik Sinner, the current world number one. Sinner is in outstanding form and would be a formidable opponent. Other potential semi-final opponents include Jack Draper, Andrey Rublev, and Arthur Fils, all of whom are dangerous but potentially within Djokovic’s reach.

Should he make it to the final, Djokovic could face second seed Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish sensation who is widely considered the favorite for the title. Other potential finalists include Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, and Tommy Paul.

Expert Opinions

Despite Djokovic’s recent struggles, many experts believe that he cannot be counted out. Amelie Mauresmo, the French Open tournament director, acknowledged that while a fourth Roland Garros title for Djokovic may be a long shot, it cannot be ruled out. “Maybe not with a lot of expectations, but you can never put him out [of the list of contenders], that’s for sure,” she said.

Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open runner-up, echoed this sentiment. “To me, even though Novak hasn’t had the best year as he typically has, or the same level, I think he is still the favorite,” Ruud said. “He is the No. 1 seed, and he has 24 Slams under his belt, so if there’s anyone who knows when to find their peak and form, it’s probably him.”

Pat Cash, a former Wimbledon champion, and Russell Fuller, a BBC tennis correspondent, have also weighed in on Djokovic’s chances. They acknowledge his recent form struggles but believe that he still has the potential to win another Grand Slam.

A Quest for History

Djokovic is not just playing for another title; he is playing for history. A victory at the French Open would give him a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, solidifying his place as arguably the greatest male tennis player of all time. He is also seeking his 100th ATP tournament victory, a milestone that has eluded him for the past 10 months.

Moreover, Djokovic is motivated by the opportunity to win another Olympic gold medal, especially after his triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics. “Every time I step on the court I feel the nerves, I feel stress, I feel everything that I guess all the other players feel, and excitement as well,” he said. “(Competing) became a bit more challenging for me, to be honest. But of course I’ll do my best for the future.”

Can Djokovic defy the odds?

Novak Djokovic’s path to the 2025 French Open title is fraught with challenges. His recent form struggles, physical issues, and the rise of young stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner all pose significant obstacles. However, Djokovic is a proven champion who has overcome adversity throughout his career. His favorable draw, combined with his unparalleled experience and mental fortitude, could give him the edge he needs to make a deep run in the tournament. Whether he can capture his 25th Grand Slam title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Novak Djokovic will be a force to be reckoned with at Roland Garros.