Novak Djokovic struggled at times during 2024, as the Serb showed signs of slowing down for the first time in his career.
The most accomplished player in ATP Tour history didn’t have things all his own way this year, as he failed to win a tour-level title for the first time in almost 20 years.
Djokovic won Olympic Gold, achieving a lifelong dream, but struggled to match his lofty expectations in the few tour-level events he played this season.
The Serbian came closest to winning a Slam title at Wimbledon, when Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets.
Djokovic then lost in the US Open third round to Alexei Popyrin, as he suffered one of his worst defeats at Grand Slam level in recent years.
It was a disappointing Major campaign, but one former ATP star thinks the 37-year-old can still win one more before he calls it quits.
Tomas Berdych thinks Novak Djokovic can still win another Grand Slam title before retiring from tennis
Speaking to Tennis Majors, former Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych gave his thoughts on the recent retirements of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
“Of course, it is sad to see the guys having to stop their careers, but you know it’s going to happen, and it’s impossible for them to play forever,” he said.
“But when you look at their achievements, I totally get why they were trying to really push it because you never know what might happen.
“Maybe Roger [Federer] would add one more slam, or Rafa [Nadal] would add one more.”
The Czech star thinks that the dream of a 25th Slam title keeps Djokovic motivated.
“It would be history, which is why I think Novak is still playing,” said Berdych.
“If he feels well and then if he manages to win another one, it’s the biggest thing that can happen.
“When you gave it all for the last, I don’t know, 20, 25 years, why would you stop when you feel that you are still competitive?”
Berdych admits that struggling to compete was one of the main reasons behind his retirement in 2019, but commends the likes of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer for their longevity.
“I just did not feel that I was competitive enough,” he said.
“Of course, not to win the big one because I was already not able to do it when I was at the top.
“But every player gets their own level, and they only know what they are able to achieve.
“So I think it’s really good that they could extend their careers like that.”
Which records would Novak Djokovic break by winning a 25th Grand Slam title?
Djokovic holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles won on the ATP Tour with 24, two more than Rafael Nadal, and 20 more than his closest active competitor Alcaraz.
His last Major triumph came at the 2023 US Open, where he took down Daniil Medvedev to win his third Slam of the year.
He was unable to add to his tally this year, but if the Serbian star can win a 25th in 2025, he will break two huge tennis records.
- Most Grand Slam singles titles won – (Currently level with Margaret court on 24)
- Oldest player to win an Open Era Grand Slam title – (Currently held by Ken Rosewall at 37 years, one month)
Djokovic and Margaret Court have both won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, but the 37-year-old could push ahead with a win next year.
If the Serb were able to take home the trophy in Melbourne, he would tie another record with Court, as the pair would be level on 11 Australian Open titles.
Another record that Djokovic can break is that of the oldest player to win a Slam title in the Open Era.
Currently held by Ken Rosewall who won the 1972 Australian Open at 37 years old, any Major title for Djokovic in 2025 would see him take the record.
Both would be huge accomplishments, in an already legendary career for Djokovic, who will begin his assault on an 11th title in Melbourne when the competition begins on January 12.
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