Never underestimate Novak Djokovic — that’s Andy Roddick’s warning to tennis fans after the Serbian legend’s astounding 2025 season. At 38, Djokovic proved once again why he’s one of the greatest athletes of all time, even without a Grand Slam trophy to his name this year. But here’s where things get interesting — Roddick believes too many people are taking Djokovic’s brilliance for granted.
Djokovic’s 2025 campaign was far from ordinary. Despite his age, he reached the semifinals at all four Grand Slam tournaments — a feat that most players half his age couldn’t manage — and picked up key wins against stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz. He also lifted two ATP titles, one at Switzerland’s Geneva Open and another in Greece at the Hellenic Championship. Still, according to former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, fans aren’t giving Djokovic enough credit for the consistency and mastery he continues to display.
During an episode of his podcast Served with Andy Roddick, the American tennis veteran passionately urged fans not to overlook the Serbian’s extraordinary year. “We tend to, in sports, take greatness for granted,” Roddick remarked, drawing parallels to another sporting icon, basketball superstar LeBron James. Roddick pointed out that just as LeBron continues to redefine longevity in the NBA, Djokovic is doing the same in tennis — even if he isn’t quite the physical specimen he was two decades ago.
The comparison hit home: “Does he have the same athleticism? The same toolbox? No,” Roddick said. “That’s what we’re seeing with Novak. And it’s still incredible.” According to Roddick, Djokovic’s 2025 season ranks among the most remarkable in tennis history.
To emphasize his point, Roddick referenced Jimmy Connors’s legendary run to the 1991 US Open semifinals at age 39 — a moment often hailed as a miracle of endurance and willpower. “That was one semifinal,” Roddick said. “Novak, a year younger, did that four times this season.” It’s a staggering reminder of the Serbian’s resilience and adaptability against the newer generation of players.
Djokovic’s 2025 Grand Slam record:
- Australian Open: Semifinal (lost to Alexander Zverev 6-7, retired)
- French Open: Semifinal (lost to Jannik Sinner 4-6, 5-7, 6-7)
- Wimbledon: Semifinal (lost to Jannik Sinner 3-6, 3-6, 4-6)
- US Open: Semifinal (lost to Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-7, 2-6)
As Roddick put it, “We’ve got to stop taking this for granted. Sure, he’s not moving quite the same — he’s nearly 40 years old. But what he’s doing out there is nothing short of amazing.”
Still, Djokovic isn’t done chasing greatness. With 2026 on the horizon, all eyes are on Melbourne, where he’ll attempt to capture a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title and his 11th Australian Open crown. No player knows Rod Laver Arena better than Djokovic, who’s already unmatched there with ten titles to his name — four more than Roger Federer and six ahead of Andre Agassi.
Australian Open title record (Open Era):
1. Novak Djokovic – 10
2. Roger Federer – 6
3. Andre Agassi – 4
However, the road to another triumph won’t be easy. The new titans of men’s tennis, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, have dominated the Grand Slams for two consecutive years. In fact, no one else has lifted a major trophy since 2023. Here’s how they’ve split the spoils:
Grand Slam champions since 2024:
- 2024 Australian Open – Jannik Sinner
- 2024 French Open – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2024 Wimbledon – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2024 US Open – Jannik Sinner
- 2025 Australian Open – Jannik Sinner
- 2025 French Open – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2025 Wimbledon – Jannik Sinner
- 2025 US Open – Carlos Alcaraz
If Djokovic can conquer Melbourne once more, he would become the first player outside the Alcaraz-Sinner duopoly to win a major in two years — a truly historic accomplishment. But here’s the question: Are fans unfairly judging Djokovic by impossible standards because of his own past greatness?
The 2026 Australian Open, starting Sunday, January 18, promises to be a showdown between eras — a living legend versus the sport’s future. And as Roddick warned, tennis fans might want to pause and appreciate what they’re witnessing before it’s gone for good.
So what do you think? Has Djokovic’s brilliance been underappreciated, or has time finally started to catch up with him? Share your thoughts below — who’s your pick for the 2026 Australian Open champion?
