“Tried to recover for today’s match but I could only push so far.” Novak Djokovic wrote on social media after retiring from the semifinal of the 2025 Australian Open last week. Against World No.2 Alexander Zverev, he was struggling due to the hamstring injury sustained in the QF round where he lasted for four sets and eventually won. However, the former World No.1 and 24-time Major winner failed to replicate the same performance in the SF stage. He’s been excellent at pushing through five-set encounters at Slams. Sadly, it wasn’t the case this time in Melbourne where he won the trophy 10 times. An ex-pro has now shared his thoughts on the Serb’s challenges.
In an episode of the KickServe Podcast, dated January 31, former American player Jonny Levine expressed his opinion on the growing hurdles for Djokovic, especially at the Grand Slams. He said, “The best of five was such an advantage for Djokovic and the fact that he was so experienced. And a lot of these guys that he was playing, you know, had not played best of five, many tournaments because really they only play him in the slams. And he’s a guy that has played them more than anyone.”
Levin pointed out how playing five-setters in Majors has worked for Djokovic. It’s because in many instances he “starts out slow and then works his way back into matches.” It was witnessed during his quarterfinal encounter against Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard initially took the lead by winning the first set 6-4. However, Djoker then came back strongly and gradually. After taking the second set 6-4, he went on to clinch the battle with a final score line of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
But lately, this strength has become his weakness due to injuries. Why? “I think at this point in his late career, I believe that the best of five is something that is a disadvantage for him because when you go through multiple, you know, four and five-set matches throughout a Grand Slam tournament, it takes its toll on you,” Levin added. Currently, Djokovic is 37 and will soon turn 38 in May.
Paris, Frankreich 03.11.2022, xabx Tennis ROLEX PARIS MASTERS 2022 Tag 4 v.li., Novak DJOKOVIC SRB enttaeuscht, enttaeuscht schauend, dissapointed, traurig, frustiert, frust, gefrustet Tennis ROLEX PARIS MASTERS 2022 Paris *** Paris, France 03 11 2022, xabx Tennis ROLEX PARIS MASTERS 2022 day 4 v li , Novak DJOKOVIC SRB disappointed, disappointed looking, dissapointed, sad, frustrated, frustrated Tennis ROLEX PARIS MASTERS 2022 Paris Copyright: xEibner-Pressefotox EP_eer
In Melbourne, Djokovic was looking to clinch his Slam number 25. But after saying goodbye to the event due to a hamstring injury, he will have to wait longer. But it doesn’t mean he’s dejected and upset.
Novak Djokovic is happy with his run at the 2025 Australian Open
Currently, Novak Djokovic is leveled at 24 Grand Slams alongside WTA legend Margaret Court. He needs one more Major to become the player with the most number of singles Slams. Also, his next ATP title win will push his overall tally to 100. While he looked in good touch down under this season, his physical troubles prevented him from making it to another Australian Open final. However, the World No.7 is still high in spirits.
Prior to the SF encounter, Djokovic revealed his thoughts on his campaign in Melbourne. Following a hard-earned victory over Alcaraz in the QF round, he said “I am pleased with the way I was able to play throughout the entire tournament, including against one of the best players, one of the two or three best players in the world in the last three, four years.”
After his retirement from the tournament, he also expressed a positive approach to his future. Hinting at his return to Australia in the 2026 season, Djoker said, “If I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come (next year). I want to keep going.”
Djokovic is still focused on winning his 25th Major. “I’ll keep striving to win more slams,” he said while looking forward to this season. It will be intriguing to see if Novak Djokovic will be able to clinch the next Slam this year. His avid fans, meanwhile, will wish for his speedy recovery. What are your thoughts on Djokovic’s chances of winning a Major in the remaining part of the 2025 season? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Novak Djokovic’s Greatest Weapon Turns Against Him as Ex-Pro Drops a Bold Take on His Biggest Asset appeared first on EssentiallySports.
