Can Novak Djokovic Win French Open 2025 at 38?

As the tennis world turns its eyes toward Paris for the 2025 French Open, the conversation once again circles around Novak Djokovic, one of the sport’s most legendary figures. With 24 Grand Slam titles under his belt, including two French Open trophies (2016 and 2021), Djokovic has already etched his name into history. But this year feels different. At 38 years old, the Serbian star enters Roland Garros not as the undisputed favorite, but as a respected veteran facing growing uncertainty. His clay-court season leading up to the tournament has been far from ideal. A surprise third-round exit in Monte Carlo, a shock early loss in Madrid, and a lackluster showing in Rome raised eyebrows about his fitness, sharpness, and motivation. Add to that reports of recurring elbow discomfort and the cumulative physical toll of over two decades on the tour, and the question looms large: Can Novak Djokovic still mount a serious challenge on the demanding red clay of Roland Garros?

Despite his current vulnerabilities, Djokovic remains a uniquely dangerous presence in any Grand Slam setting. His legacy has been built on redefining limits—whether it was toppling Rafael Nadal on clay in 2015 and 2021, coming back from two sets down on multiple occasions, or surviving marathon battles when others faltered. What separates Djokovic from the rest isn’t just technique, but an elite psychological toughness and match intelligence that only deepens with age. In 2025, while the spotlight may be shifting to the younger generation — particularly Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune — Djokovic still commands fear and respect. Alcaraz may possess the speed and flair, Sinner the power and precision, but Djokovic brings a wealth of tactical nous, supreme court positioning, and a nearly unmatched ability to adapt mid-match. Roland Garros is a tournament that punishes inconsistency, and while Djokovic may no longer blitz through early rounds, his capacity to outthink and outlast opponents over best-of-five remains potent. His early-round performance will be critical—if he can find rhythm, preserve energy, and stay injury-free, the second week becomes dangerous territory for anyone in his path. Though he may not be the odds-on favorite this year, counting Djokovic out has never aged well in tennis history. And with Paris possibly being one of his final French Open appearances, he may just summon one last epic run to remind the world why he’s regarded as the greatest of all time.