Novak Djokovic Facing Increasing Challenges, Says Former Serena Williams Coach

Injury-Stricken Start to 2025

Novak Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has had a challenging start to his 2025 season, struggling with injuries and unexpected losses. Former world No. 1 doubles player Rennae Stubbs has expressed concerns about Djokovic’s form and fitness, suggesting that the Serbian legend is facing increasing difficulties as he ages and battles recurring physical issues.

Djokovic kicked off his 2025 season at the Brisbane International, where he managed to reach the quarterfinals before suffering a surprising defeat at the hands of Reilly Opelka. While this loss raised some eyebrows, it was his performance at the Australian Open that truly tested his resilience.

Australian Open: A Test of Endurance

At the Australian Open, Djokovic initially appeared to regain his top form. He secured impressive victories against Tomas Machac, Jiri Lehecka, and Carlos Alcaraz in the third round, fourth round, and quarterfinals, respectively. His triumph over Alcaraz, one of the sport’s rising stars, demonstrated his ability to still compete at the highest level.

However, his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title was cut short in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev. Djokovic was forced to retire after just one set due to a left hamstring injury, which he later confirmed had been sustained during his match against Alcaraz.

Hamstring Injury and Rapid Recovery

The hamstring tear was a significant setback, but in true Djokovic fashion, he made a remarkably quick recovery. Just three weeks after the Australian Open, he returned to competition at the Qatar Open in Doha, eager to put his injury troubles behind him.

Unfortunately, his comeback did not go as planned. Djokovic suffered a straight-sets defeat to Matteo Berrettini in the first round. This marked his first loss at a hard-court ATP event since the 2018 Miami Open—an unexpected and alarming statistic for someone of his caliber.

Djokovic’s 2025 Record So Far

As of now, Djokovic has played in three tournaments in 2025, holding a 7-3 win-loss record. While this may seem respectable, it is below his usual standard. The Serbian icon recently claimed his 99th career singles title at the Paris 2024 Olympics, a testament to his enduring excellence, but his recent form suggests that he is beginning to face more significant challenges than ever before.

Rennae Stubbs’ Concerns About Djokovic’s Future

Rennae Stubbs, who coached Serena Williams in 2022, shared her thoughts on Djokovic’s struggles during a recent episode of The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast. She pointed out that injuries are becoming a more frequent issue for Djokovic, potentially signaling a shift in his dominance.

“Novak Djokovic lost to Berrettini. Berrettini played the match of his life, hitting forehand winners everywhere,” Stubbs commented. “But I know that Novak has had problems with his leg at the start of this year in Australia. He has been struggling with injuries for a few years now—his knee, his leg.”

She emphasized that while Djokovic has always been exceptional at recovering from injuries, the pattern of frequent physical setbacks is becoming a growing concern.

“Novak has recovered better than most, probably better than anyone. But this is starting to become a small issue now—not necessarily in winning matches, but in staying fully fit.”

The Effects of Age and Recovery Time

Stubbs further elaborated on the challenges that come with aging in professional tennis. At 37, Djokovic is still competing at an elite level, but his body no longer recovers as quickly as it once did. The demands of professional tennis, combined with long injury lay-offs, make it increasingly difficult to maintain peak performance.

“When you don’t play for a while and then come back, and you’re older… You push yourself harder in matches, you do a little more, you worry more, and your body gets tighter,” Stubbs explained. “And he is going to struggle more and more.”

This observation aligns with the experiences of many great athletes in the later stages of their careers. While Djokovic has defied expectations before, time and physical wear and tear inevitably take their toll.

Can Djokovic Overcome These Challenges?

Despite the concerns, Djokovic has proven time and again that he possesses an unparalleled ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. He has repeatedly silenced critics who doubted his longevity, and his mental resilience remains one of his greatest assets.

However, his recent struggles raise important questions about how he will manage his schedule moving forward. Will he reduce the number of tournaments he plays to prioritize his health? Will he make further adjustments to his playing style to preserve his body for the long run? These strategic decisions could determine how much longer he can remain at the top of the sport.

Looking Ahead: Djokovic’s Next Moves

Djokovic’s next scheduled tournaments will be crucial in assessing his form and fitness. His ability to bounce back from recent setbacks will provide insight into whether he can still dominate the ATP Tour or if the younger generation of players is finally starting to catch up.

For now, tennis fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see if the Serbian superstar can once again prove why he is one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport.

One thing remains certain: with Djokovic, nothing is ever predictable, and his story is far from over.

The Legacy of Djokovic and the Changing Landscape of Tennis

Beyond the immediate concerns surrounding Djokovic’s physical condition, his career serves as a testament to longevity and adaptability in professional tennis. Many players struggle to maintain peak form past their early 30s, yet Djokovic has remained among the elite well into his late 30s. His dedication to fitness, nutrition, and mental strength has allowed him to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.

However, the landscape of tennis is evolving. Younger players like Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune are rising rapidly, bringing new energy and physicality to the game. These players are not just talented; they are also more accustomed to modern sports science, training techniques, and recovery methods that give them an edge over aging veterans.

Djokovic’s dominance has long been defined by his ability to outlast opponents both physically and mentally. But with his body showing signs of wear and tear, can he continue to impose his will on the next generation? Or is the torch finally being passed?

His upcoming tournaments will offer key insights, but one thing is clear: Djokovic’s era is facing its greatest test yet.