Novak Djokovic was unable to win a 25th Grand Slam title this year after suffering four semifinal defeats.
Djokovic was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open semifinal, bringing an end to his Grand Slam season for 2025.
At 38 years old, fitness is often a big concern for Djokovic, but Martina Navratilova believes his backhand also let him down.
It has been suggested that Djokovic will return to the US Open, but a Tennis Hall of Famer does not think the Serbian actually needs a 25th Grand Slam title.
Steve Flink does not think Novak Djokovic needs 25 Grand Slam titles
Djokovic has been told he will not win another Grand Slam since his US Open semifinal defeat to Alcaraz, something he has almost admitted.
After suffering his fourth Grand Slam semifinal defeat this year, Djokovic suggested he did not think he could beat Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner in a best-of-five set match anymore, and would have a much better chance in a best-of-three format on the ATP Tour.
Despite this, Tennis Hall of Famer journalist Steve Flink does not believe that would bring Djokovic any satisfaction.
“He came in this year, the big goal was to try to win his 25th major,” Flink said when speaking to Ubitennis. “He wanted to point toward all the majors. He did beautifully, he got to the semis of all four, but was not able to come away with the title, mainly because of these two guys.
“So then the question becomes, he talks about playing best of three, trying to beat them in best of three in the future. I don’t think that would bring him much pleasure to tell you the truth. That’s not…I mean suppose he beat one of them in Indian Wells or Monte Carlo, what does that mean to him next to the Slams? Not much.”
Djokovic has consistently said that Grand Slams are his main motivation to continue playing tennis, as he looks to win a 25th title.
The reason that a 25th Grand Slam is notable is because it would take him ahead of Margaret Court, who also won 24 major titles in her career.
However, Flink does not think this is that important, as Djokovic has been able to win more Grand Slams than both of his two main rivals, Rafael Nadal (22) and Roger Federer (20).
“He doesn’t need it,” said Flink. “You know, he has the most men’s. He beat Rafa by two, he beat Roger by four. That’s what the real barometer is for him is what he did against his two biggest rivals.””
What are Novak Djokovic’s plans for the rest of the 2025 season?
Djokovic’s exit from the US Open means that his Grand Slam season is now over for 2025, leaving many questions over what his plans are until the Australian Open next year.
The 38-year-old did not add much insight into this in his press conference after losing to Alcaraz, but Djokovic did reveal that he was definitely planning to play the ATP 250 event in Athens in November.
“At least at this stage of my career I am not thinking that far to be honest,” said Djokovic. “I am planning to play Athens tournament, that’s for sure. Other than that it’s really still a question mark over where I am going to go and what I am going to do.”
Djokovic is currently entered into the Shanghai Masters, where he is a four-time champion, but it is unclear as to whether he will actually return to the ATP 1000 tournament.
He is also in a good position to qualify for the ATP Finals, a tournament Djokovic is predicted to skip like he did last year.
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