'Practically impossible' for Novak Djokovic to win another major says former world No. 1
NewsTuesday, 30 December 2025 at 13:30
Novak Djokovic might be the most successful tennis player of all time, but winning a 25th major title might be out of reach for the Serbian legend.
Only two years ago, Djokovic seemed to be unstoppable. At the time, he had won seven major titles in his last 10 Grand Slam appearances, reaching the magical number of 24 majors. However, the 2023 US Open title was his last for now, as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have split all the Grand Slams in the past two years.
But Djokovic doesn't give up. He keeps chasing another major title, the legendary number 25. He doesn't think about retirement, even though some of the legends of the sport think he can't lift a major trophy again.
Former ATP world No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov recently spoke to journalist Saša Ozmo for Sportklub about Djokovic, saying it's "practically impossible" for the 24-time major winner to add number 25 to his title collection.
"Honestly, I doubt that he can do it. He is the greatest player of all time, no question about it, but competing with these young guys… Novak is not even 35 anymore, he’s 39 now (in May). Believe me, the body and metabolism don’t allow you to recover quickly enough or move like a younger player."
"Nobody can beat nature. A 39-year-old is simply too old to compete with a 22-year-old in peak physical condition. He can still compete in best-of-three events, but best-of-five… that’s practically impossible."
Djokovic isn't the type of player who would be sad or angry to hear Kafelnikov's words, quite the opposite. Having doubters has always fuelled the Serbian player, and he will try to use them as fuel once again.
'I have no clue' why Djokovic keeps playing, says Kafelnikov
Even other legends of the game, like Kafelnikov, are stunned that Djokovic keeps competing, even though he will turn 39 in 2026. He is by far the oldest player in the Top 50 of the ATP Rankings, and it's not like he would be on the verge of that, the 38-year-old is ranked fourth in the world.
According to Kafelnikov, Djokovic keeps competing because of his fan base. The 24-time major winner has one of the most loyal fan bases.
"I honestly have no clue. I’ve said it before – maybe he feels too loyal to his fan base around the world, to the people who want him to keep going. And that’s fine. Hats off to Novak for that. It just shows his courage and dedication. But I really can’t come up with any other reason why he’s still playing."
Djokovic will try to make his fans happy at the upcoming Australian Open. He is a 10-time winner at the event, and if there is some place where it would be fitting for him to win his 25th Grand Slam title, it's certainly Melbourne.
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