Novak Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of tennis, is once again in the spotlight at the US Open 2025. The Serbian legend has successfully advanced to the third round, but fans and tennis pundits agree that his performance so far has been far from his usual dominating best.
Chasing his 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic is under immense pressure to cement his place as the most decorated player in the sport’s history. However, his journey at Flushing Meadows has not been smooth, with struggles in his opening matches raising questions about his form, fitness, and ability to go the distance in New York.
Djokovic’s Road to Round 3
Djokovic began his US Open campaign with a win but did not look fully comfortable on the hard court. His movements appeared slower, his serve inconsistent, and his forehand lacked its usual bite. While his incredible resilience and experience helped him scrape through, it was evident that he is not yet at peak condition.
In the second round, Djokovic faced another stern test. Although he managed to secure victory in four sets, his opponent pushed him hard, with long rallies and frequent unforced errors from Djokovic’s racquet. His struggles underlined the fact that the quest for a record-breaking Grand Slam will not be easy.
Match Summary – Round 2
| Set | Novak Djokovic | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 4 | Djokovic won |
| 2 | 5 | 7 | Opponent won |
| 3 | 6 | 3 | Djokovic won |
| 4 | 6 | 4 | Djokovic won |
| Result | Won 3-1 | – | – |
Why Djokovic Looks Short of His Best
Several factors may be contributing to Djokovic’s less-than-convincing form at the US Open 2025:
- Age Factor – At 38, Djokovic is competing against younger, faster players who bring a high level of physical intensity.
- Long Season Fatigue – The ATP calendar has been grueling, and Djokovic’s body seems to be feeling the effects of constant travel and tough matches.
- Pressure of History – The mental strain of pursuing a 25th Slam may be impacting his focus on court.
- Injuries and Recovery – Though not officially reported, slight fitness issues could be slowing him down.
Djokovic’s Grand Slam Journey
Djokovic’s pursuit of the 25th Grand Slam has captivated the tennis world. Having surpassed Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Djokovic is already in a league of his own, but the milestone of 25 would push his dominance to historic heights.
Djokovic’s Grand Slam Record
| Tournament | Titles Won | Last Won | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Open | 11 | 2025 | Hard |
| French Open | 3 | 2023 | Clay |
| Wimbledon | 7 | 2022 | Grass |
| US Open | 3 | 2023 | Hard |
| Total | 24 | – | – |
With 24 titles already under his belt, Djokovic is eyeing a record that may remain untouchable for generations to come.
The US Open Challenge
The US Open has historically been one of Djokovic’s tougher Grand Slam venues compared to Melbourne or Wimbledon. The fast-paced conditions, the late-night matches, and the energy of the New York crowd often create unpredictable scenarios.
Moreover, the presence of younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, and Daniil Medvedev makes the challenge even tougher. Each of them has the stamina and aggressive style of play to push Djokovic into long, exhausting battles.
Expert Opinions
Tennis experts and former champions have shared mixed views about Djokovic’s current campaign:
- John McEnroe suggested that Djokovic still has the mental edge over younger players, but admitted that his physical level is “clearly not the same as three years ago.”
- Mats Wilander noted that Djokovic must rely more on strategy and experience rather than brute force if he hopes to survive the next rounds.
- Tennis journalists highlighted that his ability to adjust mid-match remains his greatest weapon, even when his form dips.
US Open 2025: Men’s Top Seeds Still in Contention
The men’s draw continues to be packed with talent, and Djokovic’s route to the final is far from easy.
Men’s Singles – Current Status (Top Seeds)
| Player | Seed | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Carlos Alcaraz | 1 | Round 3 |
| Novak Djokovic | 2 | Round 3 |
| Jannik Sinner | 3 | Round 3 |
| Daniil Medvedev | 4 | Round 3 |
| Holger Rune | 5 | Round 3 |
Can Djokovic Still Win the Title?
Despite his struggles, writing off Djokovic has always been a mistake. He has proven countless times that he can turn average starts into extraordinary finishes. His adaptability, mental toughness, and unmatched ability to rise in clutch moments make him a dangerous opponent regardless of form.
If he can rediscover his rhythm and maintain his fitness, Djokovic remains a strong contender to lift the trophy in New York and achieve his long-awaited 25th Grand Slam title.
Conclusion
Novak Djokovic’s progress to the third round of the US Open 2025 may not have been flawless, but his determination and fighting spirit are still alive. While critics point to his dip in performance levels, fans remain hopeful that the Serbian champion will raise his game when it matters most.
As the tournament enters its crucial stages, the spotlight will firmly remain on Djokovic. Can he silence the doubters, overcome the rising stars, and etch his name into history with a 25th Slam? The coming days at Flushing Meadows will provide the answer.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on recent developments at the US Open and is intended for informational and editorial purposes only. Official match results, statistics, and updates should be followed from the tournament organizers and ATP authorities.
