As the 2025 US Open unfolds, Novak Djokovic returns to Flushing Meadows with a singular goal: to capture his 25th Grand Slam title. At 38 years old, the Serbian legend remains a formidable force, especially on hard courts where he has historically thrived. With four US Open titles already under his belt, Djokovic enters the tournament with a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed on one of tennis’s grandest stages.
His record at the US Open stands at an impressive 90-14, and his last triumph came in 2023. Despite setbacks in recent majors, including semifinal exits at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, Djokovic’s hunger for victory remains undiminished.
Prioritizing the majors
Djokovic has made it clear that his focus is squarely on Grand Slam events. “My best tennis comes at Grand Slams,” he stated ahead of the tournament, reinforcing his commitment to peak performance when it matters most. This strategic approach has seen him skip several ATP events in favor of intensive training and family time, a decision he believes enhances his readiness for the physical and mental demands of major tournaments.
His preparation for the US Open included weeks of conditioning and tactical refinement, aimed at navigating the grueling path to the final. With younger challengers like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in the draw, Djokovic knows the margin for error is slim.
Navigating a challenging draw
The 2025 US Open draw places Djokovic on the same side as Alcaraz, setting up a potential blockbuster clash before the final. This configuration adds complexity to his campaign, as he may need to overcome multiple top-tier opponents in succession. Former World No. 1 Mats Wilander noted that Djokovic’s path could be eased if one of his main rivals is eliminated early, but emphasized the difficulty of sustaining high-level play across consecutive matches.
Despite these challenges, Djokovic’s experience and adaptability make him a perennial threat. His ability to adjust tactics mid-match and maintain composure under pressure are qualities that have defined his career.
Legacy and motivation
Beyond the pursuit of records, Djokovic’s motivation stems from a deeper place. He has spoken about the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal commitments, especially as his children grow older. The timing of the US Open coincides with his daughter’s birthday, a reminder of the sacrifices involved in elite competition.
Still, the allure of a 25th Grand Slam title is powerful. Such an achievement would place him alone at the top of the all-time leaderboard, surpassing Margaret Court and further solidifying his place in tennis history. For Djokovic, the US Open is not just another tournament—it’s an opportunity to reaffirm his enduring excellence.
Novak Djokovic in 2025
Now ranked no.7, Novak played his last match on the 11th of July when he surrendered to world no.1 Jannik Sinner 6-3 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Wimbledon (draw).
This season the Serbian has a compiled 26-9 match record. Djokovic has won 1 title in Geneva. The Serbian reached the final in Miami.