‘Can’t Go On Forever’– Novak Djokovic’s Biggest Rival Revealed by Insider and It’s Not Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner

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‘Can’t Go On Forever’– Novak Djokovic’s Biggest Rival Revealed by Insider and It’s Not Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner

My main priorities are playing for Serbia and Slams; everything else is less important,” Novak Djokovic said before withdrawing from the ATP Finals last year. The Serb has spent nearly two decades asserting his dominance over men’s tennis, shattering records and redefining what it means to be an all-time great. But he is still behind Margaret Court when it comes to winning the most Grand Slam titles in history. The 37-year-old has been picky about the tournaments he wants to play of late, but his quest for a record-breaking 25th major remains one of the sport’s most compelling narratives. Does he have enough time in hand though?

Djokovic’s performance at the 2025 Australian Open reaffirmed his status as a Slam contender. He secured a thrilling victory over the World No. 2, Carlos Alcaraz, in the quarterfinals while battling a hamstring injury before the same injury forced him to withdraw in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev.

Yet, while Djokovic’s biggest challengers- young stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner- have been widely touted as the future of the sport, respected tennis broadcaster Marcus Buckland believes the real obstacle to Djokovic’s continued dominance lies elsewhere. The Serbian has consistently defied expectations with his longevity, but as he nears his 38th birthday, the biggest battle he faces is not against the next generation- it’s against time itself.

Buckland, speaking to Tennis365, raised concerns about Djokovic’s ability to maintain peak physical condition as the demands of the tour take their toll. “It’s all going to be down to his fitness,” he explained. “I saw images of him the other day limping, so we don’t entirely know where he is physically heading into Indian Wells. There are one or two question marks there.”

Despite Djokovic’s ability to elevate his game when it matters most, Buckland believes the physical toll is starting to show. “The guy is almost superhuman, but he can’t go on forever, and it has suddenly started to look a little more difficult for him to do what he wants to do,” he continued. “It’s difficult to find your consistent best if your body is not allowing you to do that.”

For years, analysts have framed Alcaraz and Sinner as Djokovic’s biggest threats. The two have not only pushed him in high-stakes matches but also beaten him on some of the sport’s grandest stages. Alcaraz famously dethroned Djokovic in the 2023 Wimbledon final, while Sinner stunned him at the 2023 ATP Finals and 2024 Australian Open.

Buckland argues that while they are formidable, they are not the biggest roadblock in his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. “Give him a half-decent draw, his experience, and he obviously has the chance to challenge anywhere when he is at his best, but it is getting harder.”

Still, Djokovic’s mental resilience and tactical genius remain his strongest assets. “He will be doing everything he can to be as fit as he can be, and come Roland Garros and Wimbledon, given a favorable draw and if his body doesn’t let him down, of course he has a chance,” Buckland added.

As Djokovic sets his sight on the 25th major, he has his rival-turned-confidante by his side. Well, no prizes for guessing, folks!

Novak Djokovic sticks with coach Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic, no doubt, faces the challenges of aging and fitness, but an intriguing subplot in his journey has been his partnership with former rival Andy Murray in a coaching capacity. The collaboration, which began in November 2024, is set to continue, with Murray confirming he will extend his role in Djokovic’s camp.

Buckland is particularly intrigued by the dynamic between the two legends. “We have got the excitement of the Djokovic and Murray player-coaching combination continuing, and that was fascinating to watch at the Australian Open,” he said. “We don’t know what events Andy will be going to, but it will be great to see how that develops.”

While Djokovic remains a formidable force in men’s tennis, Alcaraz and Sinner pose a significant challenge. However,, his greatest battle is with his own body. Now, how he manages it will determine whether he secures yet another historic milestone.

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