Djokovic Aiming for 25th Grand Slam at 37: Can He Make History?

Mon Oct 20 2025 06:45:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Novak Djokovic approaches his 38th birthday, he seeks to secure his 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, setting a historic record that has eluded him.

At nearly 38, Novak Djokovic attempts to break records by capturing a 25th Grand Slam title, amidst challenges from younger opponents and recent performance concerns. Though history suggests difficulty due to his age, Djokovic's ambition and coaching ties to Andy Murray inspire a potential resurgence.

Novak Djokovic, who turns 38 in May, stands at a pivotal moment in his tennis career as he eyes the 11th Australian Open title. If victorious, he would achieve his 25th Grand Slam title, surpassing Margaret Court's long-standing record. However, the Serbian legend faces challenges, including his competitive age—making him the oldest contender to seek a Grand Slam title since the Open era began.

Stefan Edberg, a six-time Grand Slam champion, shared insights on Djokovic's prospects, stating, "You can never count him out if everything goes right." While Edberg sees the Australian Open and potentially Wimbledon as Djokovic's best chances, he noted that Djokovic hasn't played extensively over the past months, which could impact his performance amid younger rivals.

The 2023 season marked a significant shift for Djokovic, who did not claim a major title for the first time since 2017 and failed to secure an ATP title for the first time since 2005. Nevertheless, his Olympic gold win over Carlos Alcaraz last year remains a highlight, showcasing his resilience. Billie Jean King suggests Djokovic should focus on a singular goal for 2025, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations at his age.

Djokovic's age juxtaposes the careers of tennis greats Ken Rosewall, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, who all achieved late-career Grand Slam victories but at slightly younger ages. As the latest Grand Slam losses come against younger opponents like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Edberg maintains that Djokovic's motivation to chase records remains strong, bolstered by his continual fitness.

In a strategic move, Djokovic has enlisted Andy Murray, fresh from retirement and closely aged to Djokovic, as his coach. The partnership aims to leverage Murray's insights from the tour and rekindle Djokovic's competitive spirit for upcoming tournaments. Edberg believes this mentorship could elevate Djokovic's tactical play and boost his mental readiness, elements crucial for success at this stage in his career.

While the odds appear stacked against him, Djokovic’s comeback aspirations and determination may yet yield a record-setting Grand Slam victory. As the season progresses, tennis fans globally await to see if the iconic player can defy age and history to create yet another legendary moment in the sport.