“He always has the biggest chance”: Del Potro and Sabatini back Novak Djokovic for 25th Grand Slam
ATPMonday, 20 April 2026 at 04:30
Juan Martín Del Potro and Gabriela Sabatini combined exhibition tennis with broader reflections on the sport during their appearance in São Paulo, where both acted as ambassadors for the Roland Garros Junior Series. The Argentine pair shared the court in a light exhibition ahead of the finals, but the discussion extended beyond the event itself, focusing on Novak Djokovic’s legacy and future.
The conversation quickly turned to Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title, a milestone that would extend his record further. Both Del Potro and Sabatini, who have followed the Serbian’s career closely, were aligned in their assessment that his chances remain strong despite ongoing speculation about retirement.
Djokovic, currently holding 24 major titles, continues to compete at the highest level, with recent statements suggesting he intends to remain active until at least the 2028 Olympic Games. His Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024 completed one of the few missing achievements in his career, reinforcing his position among the sport’s most accomplished players.
Against that backdrop, the views expressed in São Paulo reflect a broader consensus within the sport: Djokovic’s level, adaptability, and experience continue to make him a contender across all surfaces, regardless of age or timeline discussions.
Del Potro and Sabatini back Djokovic’s Grand Slam chances
Sabatini was direct when asked about Djokovic’s prospects of adding another major title, framing him as the player to beat regardless of surface or tournament conditions. “Well, he always has the biggest chance.”
Del Potro supported that view with a more concise assessment, reducing the argument to Djokovic’s sustained level and capacity to handle different challenges over time. “Yeah… he’s Djokovic.”
Sabatini expanded on that reasoning, pointing to his record across surfaces and his ability to remain competitive in every event he enters, reinforcing the idea that his chances are not limited by conditions or format. “Any surface, I would say. He has shown that he’s won on every surface, so he has chances in every single tournament he plays.”
Del Potro closed the discussion by framing the milestone as both realistic and desirable from a broader perspective within the sport. “I would like to see him win the 25th Grand Slam.”
Del Potro and Sabatini assess challengers to Alcaraz and Sinner
Beyond Djokovic, both ambassadors also reflected on the current competitive landscape, particularly the difficulty of sustaining dominance at the level set by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Sabatini drew parallels with earlier eras, noting how challenging it is to consistently stay ahead of the field.
“I think there are many players these days that could challenge. It doesn’t happen all the time," the former US Open champion said. "The last few tournaments, we haven’t seen Alcaraz reaching the finals or Sinner, for one reason or another. It’s difficult also to maintain and keep winning every tournament.”
She pointed to a range of contenders across the tour, highlighting the depth of competition and the presence of players capable of disrupting the established hierarchy. “I mean, you have a lot of players. You have Zverev.”
Del Potro added his own perspective, identifying specific players he believes could move closer to the top tier in the near future, focusing on both immediate and long-term potential. “I like Sebastian Korda. He’s great. I think he has the talent to be closer to the top guys. Of course, Fonseca. He’s still young, but I believe he could be in a good position in the future.”
Sabatini expanded the list further, pointing to emerging talent across multiple regions, reinforcing the idea that the competitive field remains open despite the current dominance at the top. “You see new names. We saw it in Miami. Some Spanish players, also Jodar, who did very well in Barcelona. Italy with Musetti, Cobolli. I think they have to win, they have to beat them, so it’s nice to see.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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