Novak Djokovic has been a dominant force in men’s tennis for over a decade, rewriting the sport’s record books and establishing himself as one of the greatest players of all time. The Serbian superstar has claimed 24 Grand Slam singles titles, an all-time record, and has been a fixture at the top of the ATP rankings for much of his career. However, for the first time since 2010, Djokovic is poised to go two years without winning a Grand Slam title. This marks a significant shift in the trajectory of his career, raising questions about his future in tennis, his legacy, and how much longer he can continue at the highest level.
### The Current State of Djokovic’s Career
As the calendar year flips to 2025, Novak Djokovic will not have claimed a Grand Slam title in 2024, making it the first time in 14 years that he has gone a full two-year stretch without adding to his illustrious collection of major titles. It is an uncharacteristic lull in a career that has been defined by consistency, dominance, and a hunger for more.
While Djokovic’s career has certainly had its ups and downs, his ability to maintain an unparalleled level of excellence over such a long period has been his hallmark. He’s remained a regular contender at the top of the ATP rankings, and while rivals like Rafael Nadal, who retired in 2023, and Roger Federer, who also stepped away from the game, have seen their careers taper off, Djokovic has kept going. His remarkable physical and mental endurance has allowed him to thrive, even as younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev have emerged as challengers for the throne.
Yet, despite maintaining a high level of play, Djokovic has found himself in the rare position of not securing a major title in back-to-back years. The 2024 season saw him come close on multiple occasions, but ultimately, he was unable to capture the elusive 25th Grand Slam trophy that would solidify his already legendary status even further. So, why is Djokovic struggling to win another major title, and what does this mean for the future of his career?
### A Changing of the Guard: The Rise of the Next Generation
One of the main factors in Djokovic’s drought has been the rise of the younger generation of players, most notably Carlos Alcaraz. The 21-year-old Spaniard’s breakthrough at the 2022 US Open marked the beginning of what could be a new era in men’s tennis. Alcaraz, with his explosive game and exceptional court coverage, has already claimed multiple Grand Slam titles and looks set to dominate the sport for years to come. His style of play, which combines an aggressive baseline game with incredible agility, has made him a tough matchup for Djokovic, even though the Serbian has long been known for his adaptability.
In addition to Alcaraz, other young stars like Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, and Felix Auger-Aliassime have all become increasingly competitive on the ATP Tour. Medvedev, in particular, has given Djokovic fits in recent years, with his flat groundstrokes and mental toughness earning him a Grand Slam title at the 2021 US Open. While Djokovic remains one of the best players in the world, these younger stars have begun to close the gap, and for the first time in a long time, Djokovic finds himself on the outside looking in at the major tournaments.
These rising stars bring a level of competition that Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer didn’t face earlier in their careers. When Djokovic was at his peak, the younger generation was still developing, and the Big Three dominated men’s tennis. Now, with the likes of Alcaraz consistently performing at a high level, Djokovic’s path to Grand Slam titles has become more difficult than ever. While Djokovic is still an elite player, he’s no longer the undisputed force he once was, and his struggles to capture another major reflect this shift in the competitive landscape.
### Physical Challenges: The Toll of Longevity
Another factor contributing to Djokovic’s title drought is the physical toll that playing at the highest level for nearly two decades has taken on his body. Though Djokovic has been remarkably durable throughout his career, the demands of tennis have inevitably caught up to him. He is now in his late 30s, and while his fitness and conditioning are still exceptional, maintaining peak performance over a long season is increasingly difficult as age creeps up.
Injuries have also been an issue for Djokovic in recent years. In the 2024 season, he struggled with persistent shoulder and hamstring issues, which hampered his performance at several key tournaments. While Djokovic has always been known for his ability to fight through injuries, the accumulated wear and tear of playing elite-level tennis for nearly two decades is starting to show. His rivals, particularly the younger players who haven’t yet reached the same physical threshold, are able to withstand the grueling nature of a tennis season more easily than Djokovic, who must manage his body more carefully.
Additionally, Djokovic’s demanding playing style, which involves lengthy rallies and a relentless baseline game, requires an extraordinary level of physical and mental stamina. As he continues to age, the effort required to maintain this level of play becomes more challenging, and his ability to withstand the intensity of five-set matches has been tested more frequently in recent years.
### Mental and Emotional Fatigue
Djokovic’s struggles may also be tied to mental and emotional fatigue. For much of his career, he has been driven by the desire to break records and cement his legacy as the greatest player of all time. With 24 Grand Slam titles already in his collection, he has surpassed both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and the weight of this accomplishment may have altered his approach to the game.
For years, Djokovic was the underdog in the rivalry with Federer and Nadal, constantly battling to prove himself. But now, with the title of “greatest of all time” firmly within his grasp, Djokovic is playing in a different mindset. The pressure of defending that position, coupled with the increasing challenges from the younger generation, may be wearing on him. Though Djokovic is known for his mental fortitude, it’s only natural that after years of chasing records and titles, the motivation to continue to grind it out may not be as strong as it once was.
Moreover, Djokovic has dealt with personal challenges, including the stress of navigating the global pandemic, which affected his 2020 and 2021 seasons. Though he remains one of the most mentally tough players in the sport, the cumulative mental and emotional exhaustion of his career cannot be underestimated. Djokovic has played an incredible amount of tennis, and the strain of consistently competing at the highest level can take its toll.
### What’s Next for Djokovic?
Despite the two-year gap without a Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic’s career is far from over. He is still one of the most talented and competitive players in the world, and his work ethic, adaptability, and experience will keep him in the hunt for more titles. While he may not be able to sustain the same level of dominance he had in his prime, he has the tools to remain competitive on the biggest stages.
The key question for Djokovic moving forward is whether he can continue to evolve his game to stay relevant at the top. The younger players are becoming more consistent, but Djokovic has shown throughout his career that he can adjust and find new ways to win. Whether he can keep up with the likes of Alcaraz and Medvedev, especially as the calendar turns to 2025, will determine how long he remains in the conversation for future Grand Slam titles.
For now, Djokovic’s legacy is secure. He is already considered one of the greatest to ever play the game, and even without adding another Grand Slam, his place in history is cemented. But the question of whether he can return to winning majors — and possibly capture a 25th Grand Slam — remains open. One thing is clear: Novak Djokovic may have gone two years without a major, but his desire to win, his passion for the game, and his ability to evolve will continue to keep him in the mix for many years to come.
