Djokovic’s Next Chapter: Will He Conquer More Grand Slams?

As Novak Djokovic navigates the twilight of his illustrious career, the tennis world is abuzz with speculation about his future. Can he add to his record-breaking haul of 24 Grand Slam titles? Patrick Mouratoglou, a renowned coach, has consistently weighed in on this topic, offering insights into Djokovic’s mindset, motivation, and potential challenges. Here’s a breakdown of Mouratoglou’s predictions and the factors that could influence Djokovic’s quest for more major titles.

Mouratoglou’s Confidence in Djokovic

Despite a relatively underwhelming 2024 season by his own high standards, Patrick Mouratoglou remains confident in Novak Djokovic’s ability to win more Grand Slam titles. In late 2024, Mouratoglou stated, “I think he can still win Grand Slams; I’m sure about it.” He pointed to Djokovic’s incredible 2023, where he secured three Grand Slam titles and reached the final of the fourth, emphasizing that this level of performance was only a year prior, not a distant memory.

Mouratoglou has also highlighted Djokovic’s Olympic gold medal win in 2024, where he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final, as evidence that he is still capable of playing “fantastic tennis” and beating the best players in the world. “He won the Olympics, which was his main focus this year, beating Carlos [Alcaraz] in the final, playing fantastic tennis, so he is not far away,” Mouratoglou noted.

The Motivation Factor

Mouratoglou believes that Djokovic’s motivation is the key to his future success. He suggests that Djokovic’s primary motivation throughout his career has been to surpass Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. With Federer retired and Nadal nearing the end of his career, Djokovic may need to find new sources of motivation.

“For Novak, it’s only about his motivation,” Mouratoglou explained. “All his career was about beating the other two [Nadal and Federer] and being better than them; that was the fight of his life in tennis, and he won.” He hopes that the challenges Djokovic faced in 2024 will serve as fuel to reignite his competitive fire.

In August 2024, Mouratoglou suggested that Djokovic needs rivalries with younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to “touch his ego” and drive him to prove that he is “still great.”

However, more recently, in March 2025, Mouratoglou expressed doubts about Djokovic’s long-term motivation, predicting that he would retire before the age of 41, earlier than Roger Federer.

The Sinner and Alcaraz Challenge

Mouratoglou acknowledges the growing threat posed by young stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. He believes that Sinner’s precise game and consistency could present a tougher challenge for Djokovic than Alcaraz’s dynamic style.

In December 2024, Mouratoglou stated that “Sinner doesn’t give anything away. His game is so precise that Novak will need to be in exceptional shape to overcome him.” He also noted that Sinner’s court coverage and ability to take the ball early mirror Djokovic’s own strengths, making him a particularly difficult opponent.

While acknowledging Alcaraz’s talent, Mouratoglou has emphasized Sinner’s “relentless consistency” as a unique challenge for Djokovic.

Djokovic’s 2024 Season: A Year of Transition?

Djokovic’s 2024 season was a mixed bag. While he captured the Olympic gold medal, a long-sought-after achievement, he failed to win a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017. He also experienced some uncharacteristic early exits at tournaments and underwent knee surgery mid-season.

Mouratoglou described Djokovic’s 2024 season as “a very bad year, but it came after an incredible year.” He noted that Djokovic still managed to reach the final at Roland Garros, narrowly missing out on another major title.

Djokovic himself has described 2024 as one of his “toughest years,” acknowledging the challenges he faced in maintaining his peak performance.

Djokovic’s Grand Slam Dominance: By the Numbers

Novak Djokovic’s career is defined by unparalleled success at the Grand Slam tournaments. As of June 2025, he holds the following impressive records:

• Most Grand Slam singles titles (male): 24
• Most Australian Open titles (male): 10
• Only man to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously since Rod Laver in 1969 (achieved in 2016)
• Most weeks as world No. 1 (male): 378

Djokovic’s dominance is further highlighted by his consistency in reaching Grand Slam finals. He has appeared in a record 37 major finals, surpassing legends like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic’s Approach to the Later Stages of His Career

As he approaches his late 30s, Djokovic has indicated that he will be more selective about the tournaments he plays, prioritizing the Grand Slams and other major events. This approach is aimed at prolonging his career and ensuring that he is in peak condition for the tournaments that matter most.

In late 2024, Djokovic withdrew from the Paris Masters, citing fitness concerns and a desire to “prolong his career whilst remaining competitive at the Grand Slams.” He has also stated that the ATP Finals is no longer a priority for him.

Mouratoglou believes that Djokovic’s “pick-and-choose policy” will limit his opportunities but also allow him to focus his energy on the most important events.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Novak Djokovic faces a challenging but potentially rewarding journey. To continue his Grand Slam success, he will need to:

• Maintain his motivation: Finding new sources of inspiration and setting fresh goals will be crucial.
• Adapt to the Next Gen: Develop strategies to counter the challenges posed by younger players like Sinner and Alcaraz.
• Manage his schedule: Prioritize tournaments and ensure he is physically and mentally prepared for the Grand Slams.
• Stay healthy: Preventing injuries and maintaining his fitness will be essential for competing at the highest level.

Patrick Mouratoglou’s insights provide valuable context for understanding Djokovic’s current situation and future prospects. While the challenges are significant, Djokovic’s track record, combined with his unwavering determination, suggests that he is far from finished. Whether he can add to his Grand Slam tally remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the tennis world will be watching with great anticipation.