As Novak Djokovic approaches his 38th birthday, the Serbian tennis legend is eyeing his 11th Australian Open title in January, which would also mark his 25th Grand Slam victory—a record that would surpass any player in history. With only Margaret Court’s all-time record standing between him and tennis immortality, the question on many minds is whether Djokovic can achieve this historic milestone.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Stefan Edberg believes that despite the challenges posed by Djokovic’s advancing age, the Serbian remains a formidable force, particularly at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. “You can never count him out if everything goes right,” Edberg told BBC Sport. “His best chance is the Australian Open or possibly Wimbledon, given his experience on grass. Everything needs to align, though—he’s a year older, and hasn’t played as many matches in the last six months.”
However, Edberg also notes that age is an undeniable factor in Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam. Last season, for the first time since 2017, Djokovic failed to win a major title and did not claim an ATP title for the first time since 2005. Nevertheless, Djokovic achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching Olympic gold with a stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz in Paris—a feat that completed his trophy collection.
Billie Jean King echoed Edberg’s sentiment, advising Djokovic to focus on one specific goal for 2025. “If you only had one thing you could win in 2025, what would it be?” King posed, stressing the importance of narrowing his focus to one major objective. “You’ve got to be reasonable—he is 37,” she added.
Age remains a key factor in Djokovic’s quest, and comparisons to other tennis legends highlight the difficulty of winning major titles at an advanced age. The great Australian Ken Rosewall remains the oldest player to win a Grand Slam singles title, capturing his final major at age 37 at the 1972 Australian Open. Djokovic is already six months older than Rosewall was at the time, and the modern game is more physically demanding than ever.
Yet history is not entirely against Djokovic. Roger Federer was nearly 38 when he came close to defeating Djokovic in the 2019 Wimbledon final, and Djokovic’s determination remains a driving force. “Chasing records is motivation enough,” Edberg said, emphasizing Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of greatness.
At 37, Djokovic faces stiff competition from younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who are both in their early twenties. However, as Edberg pointed out, many players have continued to win major titles in their mid-thirties, with modern fitness and smarter scheduling extending their careers.
In Djokovic’s corner this year is an additional source of inspiration—his new coach, Andy Murray. The two are separated by just a week in age, and Murray’s recent retirement offers a wealth of knowledge about the current tennis landscape. Edberg believes Murray’s presence will not only provide tactical guidance but also inspire Djokovic moving forward. “Murray brings motivation and inspiration,” Edberg said. “Small things can make a difference, whether it’s tactically, mentally, or preparing for a match.”
While Djokovic’s age may be a factor, his desire for success, his record-breaking ambitions, and his evolving team all make him a dangerous contender. As Edberg wisely noted, “You just cannot count him out.”
