Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has been a dominant force in tennis for nearly two decades. However, as he approaches his 38th birthday, his body has begun to betray him, and a new set of challenges has emerged in his career.
At the 2025 Australian Open, Djokovic showed his trademark resilience. After a shaky start to the tournament, the Serbian veteran found his form in the second week, including a stunning victory over the young Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. Djokovic entered the match against Alcaraz as an underdog, especially given the 21-year-old Spaniard’s burning desire to win the only Major missing from his trophy collection. Despite struggling with an adductor injury, Djokovic showcased his tactical brilliance, teaching Alcaraz a lesson in composure and strategy. His performance was a testament to his unparalleled mental toughness and experience.
However, the joy of the quarterfinal victory was short-lived. The injury that had begun to trouble him in the first two rounds resurfaced and worsened. Djokovic’s adductor issue, which had hindered him between the first and second sets against Alcaraz, became a more serious concern as the tournament progressed. During the semifinals against Alexander Zverev, Djokovic was forced to retire mid-match, leaving the court to boos from the crowd at Rod Laver Arena. The premature exit was a painful moment for a player who has dedicated his life to tennis and had pushed his limits once again, only to be halted by physical setbacks.
While Djokovic’s performance at the Australian Open was certainly impressive, it also highlighted a new reality for the 37-year-old. As he admitted, his body is no longer what it used to be. In recent years, injuries have been increasingly frequent, and his body is showing signs of wear and tear. In 2023, Djokovic had to undergo knee surgery, and later in 2024, he struggled with a shoulder injury that forced him to miss important events like the Rolex Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP Finals.
The new adductor injury is particularly disheartening for Djokovic, as it threatens to derail his 2025 season. With the upcoming Doha ATP 500 in February, the question remains whether the Serbian legend will be able to recover in time to continue his pursuit of more titles. Djokovic’s determination and fighting spirit are unquestionable, but the mounting physical challenges at this stage of his career are undeniable. As he continues to defy expectations, it remains to be seen if he can overcome these setbacks and extend his legacy in tennis.
