In what’s shaping up to be a highly unpredictable 2025 tennis season, Novak Djokovic continues to remain at the center of attention. Despite facing setbacks in all three Grand Slam appearances this year—including an early retirement in the Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev, and tough losses in the French Open and Wimbledon semis—the Serbian legend is still not out of the fight. Tennis great Jimmy Connors believes Djokovic has one last masterstroke left in him and could stun the world at the upcoming US Open.
Speaking on his podcast, Connors emphasized Djokovic’s resilience and determination. “I’m not ready to count him out,” Connors stated. “When you have got guts, you have got guts. That’s Novak. Losing in straight sets at Wimbledon? That’s not him. That’s not his game. He’s going to show up at the US Open with something unexpected. He may just catch everyone off guard—and I’d love to see that happen.”
With 2025 speculated to be Djokovic’s final season, the pressure is mounting. However, he has hinted at continuing into 2026 despite this year’s disappointments. His semi-final loss at Wimbledon was particularly jarring for fans and pundits alike, but Djokovic’s silence about retirement keeps hope alive.
Meanwhile, Australian star Nick Kyrgios offered a contrasting opinion during a candid conversation. “I think he’s close to calling it quits,” Kyrgios remarked. “I asked him at Indian Wells why he was still playing, and he just said, ‘I don’t know.’ That was telling. I think he’s feeling the pull toward family life more than ever.”
Kyrgios, who has had a friendly relationship with Djokovic over the years, added, “He misses his kids. I don’t see him committing to another full year on tour. He’s incredibly professional, but it’s hard to balance that with being a father. If I had a family like his, I’d feel the same.”
With rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner pushing boundaries in men’s tennis, Djokovic faces his most intense competition yet. However, if history has proven anything, it’s that Djokovic performs best when doubted. The 2025 US Open may just be the setting for one last great Djokovic statement.
