Novak Djokovic has looked impressive in New York, as he searches for Grand Slam title number 25.
The Serbian star has played a significantly reduced ATP Tour schedule in 2025, to the point that his previous three events have been major tournaments.
Still managing to compete with the very best, aged 38, Djokovic has made his way through to the semifinals of the US Open.
Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
There, he will face Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, a former champion at Flushing Meadows (2022).
As Djokovic prepares for one of the biggest matches of his 2025 campaign, he’s been praised by one top tennis coach, who thinks the legendary star has done something ‘ludicrous’ this year.
Mark Petchey says Novak Djokovic’s 2025 Grand Slam efforts have been ‘ludicrous’
Sharing his thoughts on the Serb’s performances in 2025, Emma Raducanu’s former coach Mark Petchey praised Djokovic on X.
What @DjokerNole has done this year in the Majors is ludicrously impressive.
I would argue in a career of utter dominance of almost every statistical category, one of his finest achievements.
Success isn’t always about the shiny things. It’s about the discipline to do the same…
— Mark Petchey (@_markpetchey) September 5, 2025
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“What Novak Djokovic has done this year in the majors is ludicrously impressive,” he said.
“I would argue in a career of utter dominance of almost every statistical category, one of his finest achievements.
“Success isn’t always about the shiny things. It’s about the discipline to do the same things every day, just a little better.
“To keep caring after achieving everything in the game is beyond comprehension for so many.”
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Djokovic hasn’t won a Grand Slam title this year, but has been one of the most consistent performers at the sport’s four biggest tournaments.
Joining Jannik Sinner as the only other player to reach the last four of every Grand Slam in 2025, Djokovic has proven he still has what it takes, despite entering the twilight of his career.
2025 Australian Open – Novak Djokovic lost in SF to Alexander Zverev2025 French Open – Novak Djokovic lost in SF to Jannik Sinner2025 Wimbledon – Novak Djokovic lost in SF to Jannik Sinner2025 US Open – Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz in SF
Having won and achieved as much as he has during his career, Djokovic would be forgiven for slowing down as he approaches retirement.
However, whilst his schedule is much lighter than it once was, the Serb certainly hasn’t slowed down when he does take to the court.
Giving 100% every time he picks up a racquet, it’s really no surprise that Djokovic has statistically been the third-best player in men’s tennis this year.
Live ‘ATP Race to Turin’1. Carlos Alcaraz – 9,340 points2. Jannik Sinner – 7,450 points3. Novak Djokovic – 4,180 points4. Alexander Zverev – 4,130 points5. Ben Shelton – 3,710 points6. Taylor Fritz – 3,465 points7. Alex de Minaur – 3,145 points8. Lorenzo Musetti – 3,070 points
His efforts deserve a lot of praise, although he’s after more than just praise at Flushing Meadows.
Novak Djokovic is two wins away from a 25th Grand Slam
Djokovic is currently tied with Margaret Court for 24 Grand Slams in the all-time list.
RankNameTitlesYears wonT-1Novak Djokovic242008-2023T-1Margaret Court241960-19733Serena Williams231999-2017T-4Rafael Nadal222005-2022T-4Steffi Graf221987-19996Roger Federer202003-20187Hellen Wills Moody191923-1938T-8Chris Evert181974-1986T-8Martina Navratilova181978-199010Pete Sampras141990-2002Players with the most Grand Slam titles [Open and Amateur Era]
The Serb has seen the goalposts shift throughout his career, but continues to rise to the challenge.
Needing one more Grand Slam to take the top spot all for himself, Djokovic has failed to pick up number 25 at his previous seven major tournaments.
Looking to finally get over the line in New York, Djokovic faces the unenviable task of beating Alcaraz and Sinner (or Felix Auger-Aliassime) in back-to-back matches.
He’ll be in with a chance of causing an upset in the semifinals, having already beaten Alcaraz at a hard-court Grand Slam this year, defeating the 22-year-old in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
The likelihood is that he would play world number one, Sinner, in a potential final, which would be even trickier.
Sinner has beaten Djokovic at the two previous Grand Slams, knocking him out of Roland Garros and Wimbledon at the semifinal stage.
If he could avoid a third defeat in a row, Djokovic could finally get his hands on the elusive 25th Grand Slam.
He won’t want to get ahead of himself, however, and will first focus on his semifinal match with Alcaraz on Friday, September 5.