Former Russian tennis star Yevgeny Kafelnikov explained why he believes Novak Djokovic can’t win the elusive 25th Grand Slam. Djokovic will turn 39 in May and is no longer the undisputed champion.
The likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz proved to be a major hindrance for the Serb, especially in the semifinals of the 2025 Grand Slams. As such, Djokovic is competing in a field dominated by those two stars.
Former World No. 1 Kafelnikov shared his point of view, stating that Djokovic’s old legs are not good enough to compete in a best-of-five-set Grand Slam match, especially against Alcaraz and Sinner.
“Honestly, I doubt he’ll manage it (to win a 25th Grand Slam),” Kafelnikov said via Clay. “He’s undoubtedly the greatest player of all time, but competing with these youngsters… Novak isn’t even 35 anymore, he’ll be 39 (in May). Believe me, the body and metabolism don’t allow you to recover quickly enough or move like a young player. Nobody can beat nature. A 39-year-old is simply too old to compete with a 22-year-old at the peak of his physical condition. He can still participate in best-of-three-set tournaments, but best-of-five… it’s practically impossible.”
Novak Djokovic has already surpassed 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal for the most titles in men’s singles Grand Slam history. Whatever marks he leaves will be the new benchmark for the likes of Sinner, Alcaraz and the young generation.
He may not have a lot of tennis left in him at this juncture of his career, but his experience and ability to be the last man standing are the biggest assets of his game.
Novak Djokovic Preparing To Win Potential 25th Grand Slam At AO 2026
Among all the Grand Slams, the Australian Open is Novak Djokovic’s strong suit. After all, he has won 10 Grand Slams here. Djokovic is on the entry list for the 2026 Australian Open, which is set to start on January 18.
Despite battling age, injures and family, Djokovic is motivated to turn up for the upcoming Australian Open, where he’ll try to revive the magic from two years ago, when he won his 10th Grand Slam in Melbourne, Australia. Just like in 2023, Djokovic will participate in the Adelaide International before the Grand Slam event.
In 2025, Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarterfinals. However, he retired because of a leg injury in his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev. It remains to be seen whether he takes a step forward this year.
