"Has more chances than Zverev": Former top Ukrainian ATP pro sees Djokovic as more likely to win 25th Grand Slam

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 at 16:30

Novak Djokovic watching Formula 1 in Doha

Novak Djokovic still had a great season despite not winning a Grand Slam once again. The legendary Serbian is World No.4 and given the stranglehold of the top two in Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, it is unlikely to change anytime soon. But Serhiy Stakhovsky who formerly played at the top level sees his chances of winning another as more likely than Alexander Zverev.

Zverev has long been seen as the next cab off the rank so to speak when it comes to Grand Slam success but has flattered to deceive thus far when it comes to his own title chances. He had the World No.1 begging at the start of the year when Sinner was banned and Alcaraz wasn't as dominant as he is now.

Zverev falls short

He went to the Golden Swing in South America and only had to win a few games to fulfill his ambition. But in reality, it proved to be a bit of a damp squibb and he is now close to World No.1500 than he is World No.1. But despite reaching multiple Grand Slam finals and even being ahead in them, he is yet to win one and given the now dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner, that is unlikely to change.

Djokovic's main goal will remain a 25th Grand Slam title which has proved to be elusive ever since the 2023 US Open and the rise of top names. He also isn't getting any younger at 38. But he shows no signs of stopping the train yet and Stakhovsky said that given the titles he won this year on different surfaces that he proves the game is still there. But that with the new generation emerging, it proves to be a bit of a question rather than a definitive answer.

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"Novak (Djokovic) has every chance to win another Grand Slam. I would even say he has more chances than Zverev. This year, he reached four semi-finals. I think he can win anywhere. His excellent statistics in Australia give him plenty of reasons to think about how he will approach that tournament and what will happen next," he said to BTU.

"Does the longevity of other players motivate him? I think it's a unique story. It says a lot about his attitude towards his body, about how he tries to take care of his body through diet, psychological exercises, etc. In return, it gives him incredible flexibility, even at 38. The question is whether his body will allow it."

"Djokovic has always played defensively. In his mind, he thinks: 'I won't make a mistake, maybe two unforced errors per match. If you hit 40 winners, go ahead. But if you hit 40 winners and 48 errors, I will win this match.' That's why it's psychologically easier for him to fight against that.

"However, a new generation has emerged, different from the one he was used to. We see that he has found his motivation for a year or two, that he adapts to the new players. I think if his health allows it, he has a chance to win another Grand Slam tournament."

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Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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