Novak Djokovic has voiced serious concerns about his physical condition following a challenging third-round match at the 2025 US Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, now 38 years old, overcame back pain to defeat Cam Norrie in four sets, but admitted afterward that his body is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
A difficult night on court
During the match, Djokovic showed visible discomfort in the first set after lunging for a volley. He requested a medical timeout and received treatment for his lower back before returning to finish the set. Throughout the second and third sets, he continued to receive massages and medication, visibly struggling at times to maintain his usual intensity.
Despite the physical setbacks, Djokovic managed to win 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-3, hitting 18 aces and delivering what he described as his best serving performance of the tournament. His victory secured a place in the fourth round, making him the oldest man to reach that stage at the US Open since Jimmy Connors in 1991.
A season marked by physical setbacks
This latest injury adds to a growing list of physical issues Djokovic has faced in 2025. At the Australian Open, he tore a hamstring and was forced to retire from his semifinal match. At Wimbledon, he suffered a groin strain after a fall in the quarterfinals, which affected his performance in the semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner.
Speaking after his match against Norrie, Djokovic acknowledged the toll that years of elite competition have taken on his body. “The wear and tear is real,” he said. “I’m more concerned than ever about how my body responds. Every match now comes with uncertainty.”
Mental resilience and future outlook
Despite the challenges, Djokovic remains determined to compete at the highest level. He emphasized his commitment to adapting and managing his health, even if it means adjusting expectations. “I’m resisting it,” he said. “I’m doing everything I can to stay out there and fight with the younger players.”
Djokovic’s next opponent is German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff, and while his physical condition remains a question mark, his competitive spirit continues to drive him forward. As he chases a record 25th Grand Slam title, the tennis world watches closely—not just for his performance, but for how he navigates the growing demands of longevity in the sport.
Djokovic at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Now ranked no.7, the Serbian achieved an overall 29-9 match record in 2025. Novak is playing at the U.S. Open where he toppled the world no.50 Learner Tien 6-1 7-6(3) 6-2, the world no.145 Zachary Svajda 6-7(5) 6-3 6-3 6-1 and the world no.35 Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7(4) 6-2 6-3.
Novak Djokovic will compete against the world no.144 Jan-Lennard Struff in the 4th round. Their current record is 7-0 for Djokovic.
Novak has won 1 title in 2025 in Geneva. The Serbian got to the final in Miami (Miami Open).
The Serbian won 100 titles in his career: 52 on hard courts, 21 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)