Record-Hungry Djokovic Can Be Stopped Only By Injuries Says Former World No. 4

Tuesday, 24 December 2024 at 20:50

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byErik Virostko

Novak Djokovic can only be stopped by physical issues as he eyes his 25th Grand Slam title, according to former ATP World No. 4 Guy Forget.

For the second year in a row, Djokovic will attempt to do what no one else has done before. The 37-year-old Serbian will try to win his 25th Grand Slam title, separating himself at the top of the all-time standings.

He was on the same mission in 2024 after he won his 24th at the 2023 US Open. Unfortunately for Djokovic, he couldn't win his 25th major in 2024, which is why he will enter the 2025 season with the same goal.

Every year, achieving that goal becomes more and more challenging for the Serbian player as he becomes older, and youngsters such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner become even more experienced and harder to beat.

Still, Djokovic will try to win that 25th Grand Slam title that he wants so much. Former World No. 4 and former French Open tournament director Guy Forget spoke to TennisActu, explaining how the Serbian player is motivated by records.

"I think Novak is motivated by records. To reach a summit that has never been climbed. With one or two more, it will be Everest. He only trains for that. He loves the Australian Open. A player never wants to lose, it is painful."

"I trust Novak to keep this state of mind. On the other hand, if he is physically diminished, if he loses against players who seem below him, I do not know if he will enjoy playing for a long time. I do not see Novak playing several weeks losing matches, as Nadal was able to do."

While Forget believes in Djokovic's ability to stay mentally strong and fight for the biggest titles, he thinks that the only thing that could stop the Serbian player is an injury.

"In my opinion, only physical problems could make him stop. That was the case for Roger and Rafa. His level of play was amazing at the Paris Olympics. He is capable of beating Alcaraz, Sinner again…"

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According to Forget, Djokovic's level at the 2024 Paris Olympics proved that he can still beat Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, and that will be his goal in 2025 as well.

"I remember the Roland-Garros final this year. Honestly, if Federer, Nadal and Djokovic had played that final at an average level, all three would have won against Alcaraz or Zverev. If Novak can play like he did at the Olympics, he can still beat Sinner or Alcaraz."

Forget was also asked whether he is scared about the future of tennis. However, with Alcaraz and Sinner around, he's not scared at all, as he expects both of them to still improve.

"No, no. Sinner, Alcaraz, they can still improve. In three years, they will be much stronger than they are today. They are not yet at the level of Roger, Rafa and Novak, when they were at the top. The question is: 'Where will Novak be in 2025?'"