Djokovic Acknowledges Recent Setbacks

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, remains confident he can claim a record 25th Grand Slam singles title despite acknowledging a “slap from reality” in the past two years.

Djokovic equalled Margaret Court’s record of 24 major singles titles with his 2023 US Open victory, but rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated the subsequent majors, winning eight Grand Slam titles between them over the past two seasons.

“I believe that to some extent I am the superman who can never injure myself, that can never be weak. But I got a slap from reality in the last couple of years. I’m just getting to know this new chapter,” Djokovic told Piers Morgan in a recent interview.

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Struggles Against Emerging Talent

The 38-year-old faced both Alcaraz and Sinner in the semi-finals of three of the four majors in 2025, but injury and fatigue prevented him from advancing to the finals.

• French Open 2025: Lost to Jannik Sinner in semi-finals
• Wimbledon 2025: Lost to Jannik Sinner in semi-finals
• US Open 2025: Lost to Carlos Alcaraz in semi-finals

Djokovic reflected on the challenge of competing against the top two players in the world:

“I’m aware that comparing my best level now and their best level now, they’re better. That’s the reality. I have doubts that I can win Slams against these two guys, but when I enter the court, I don’t care who’s across the net. I always believe I’m better and I deserve to win.”

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Injury Challenges and Withdrawals

Djokovic’s season has been hampered by injury. He withdrew from the Paris Masters in October without specifying a reason and also pulled out of the ATP Finals as the world’s third-ranked player, citing fitness concerns.

Earlier, he was also hindered by injury during a semi-final loss to qualifier Valentin Vacherot at the Shanghai Masters.

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Comments on Jannik Sinner’s Suspension

Djokovic weighed in on the doping suspension of Jannik Sinner, who missed three months of 2024 after testing positive twice for a banned substance.

“I believe he didn’t do it on purpose. However, that cloud will follow him throughout his career, similar to how the Covid situation affected me in 2022,” said Djokovic, referencing his deportation from Australia over vaccination rules.

Djokovic also criticized the timing and handling of Sinner’s suspension:

“There was a lack of transparency, inconsistency, and convenience, with the ban coming between the Slams. It was very odd. Other players with similar situations complained about preferential treatment.”

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Looking Ahead: Djokovic’s Ambition

Despite the recent setbacks and the rise of a younger generation of players, Djokovic remains determined to continue chasing history. The world No. 3’s experience, resilience, and relentless drive suggest he will remain a serious contender at the majors for the foreseeable future.

“I have always believed in things that are almost impossible to achieve. I don’t let doubts stop me; when I enter the court, I fight to win.”