Novak Djokovic backed to clinch more major silverware by fellow Serbian: “I definitely think he has a chance to win another Grand Slam"

At 38-years-old, Novak Djokovic is still going strong in tennis, despite being seldom seen. He is putting all his effort and priority in winning an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam, coming close at the Australian Open earlier this year. That showing gave many people belief that he can still compete with the best. Ana Ivanovic has always backed the Serbian, prediction that he can get major title number 25 over the line.

With injuries playing more of a factor as his body starts to slow up, Djokovic has not been able to regularly compete as much as he would have hoped. He has appeared at just two tournaments this year: the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

With his last competitive ATP match coming in the Hellenic Championship back in November, doubts were cast over Djokovic on whether he would be able to compete at the highest level. While fortune was on his side in Melbourne, the five-set thriller against two-time reigning champion Jannik Sinner was an example that he was still a threat to anyone on the court when playing his best.

He came unstuck in the final against eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz, winning the first set before being blown away by the Spanish sensation. It was a first Grand Slam final since Wimbledon in 2024, ending a streak of five major tournaments without making it the distance. The first time that occurred since 2016-2018.

Djokovic culminated at the semi-final in all four Grand Slams last year. He retired against Alexander Zverv Down Under after sending shock waves through the tennis world by defeating Alcaraz. He would later lose to the seven-time Grand Slam champion at Flushing Meadows after falling to Sinner at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the last-four.

His best days have certainly come and gone, but the belief still shines through many, including himself, that more major success could be around the corner. Fellow Serbian and former Roland Garros champion Ivanovic was in awe of his glittering career, opening up on their friendship.

“I mean, what he’s achieved, it’s really incredible,” she told Eurosport in an interview. “We’ve known each other since we were very, very young, and we’ve been friends for a long time. It’s very inspiring to see that and to give that much back to Serbia and the next generation."

While the task is not a straightforward one, she was adamant that Djokovic could produce something special and make history. “I definitely think he has a chance to win another Grand Slam," she said. "His game is still at a very high level; he can compete with the top guys. If you look at the Grand Slams, he was in the semi-finals and finals, so one step closer to the title. But an incredible career, and not something that will be easy to match.”

The next occasion he can complete this is at Roland Garros. Despite not playing since Indian Wells due to aa shoulder injury, he will go down as one of the favourites for the tournament. With no Alcaraz, Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to take home silverware. However, Djokovic is a three-time champion at Roland Garros and knows how to win.

It could be one of his best chances to win a Grand Slam title with Alcaraz not competing. Likely to be ranked fourth in the world before the tournament, his clash against Sinner could come in either the semi-finals or the final. Unlike prior major tournaments where both the world number one and two would likely have to be tackled, Djokovic may only need to defeat one.

It is yet to be seen whether he steps out onto the court to compete at all before Roland Garros. With his participation in the Rome Open still up in the air, he may look to the Geneva Open like last year, where he collected his 100th ATP title. Whatever he does, recovery ahead of the French Open is priority.