The 2025 US Open main draw kicks off this weekend, and all eyes will be on the defending champions and world no. 1s, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka.<\/p>\n
Yet amid all the focus on rising stars, veteran Novak Djokovic remains one of the most attractive participants in the tournament. Former US Open champion Andy Roddick recently witnessed something that reinforced how dangerous the Serb remains, even at this career stage.<\/p>\n
Why Was Andy Roddick Shocked By Novak Djokovic?<\/p>\n
While looking at the US Open 2025 men\u2019s draw, Roddick admired the Serb and his accomplishments this year. Speaking on his \u201cServed with Andy Roddick\u201d podcast, the American noted, \u201cNovak Djokovic, I mean, he is kind of playing tennis this year, and he has made two semi-finals in Grand Slams at 38 years old. It\u2019s unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n
The former world number one was particularly impressed by what he witnessed during Djokovic\u2019s practice session with third seed Alexander Zverev. Despite the month-long hiatus, the Serb\u2019s return game looked sharp as ever.<\/p>\n
Roddick observed<\/a>, \u201cI was watching him right before we came over to this stage, and even in practice, there is never a shot that looks panicked. It\u2019s always under control. He has not played since Wimbledon and was practicing with Zverev. I saw him break him twice in practice.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking about Djokovic\u2019s longevity, Roddick suggested that retirement questions are nowhere in the frame. \u201cIt\u2019s just unbelievable what he is still doing, and if any journalist asks him when he is going to retire, he should just say when I\u2019m not one of the best players in the world anymore and save himself that question over and over again,\u201d the American said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n For Roddick, who battled Djokovic during his own playing days, seeing this level of control from a 38-year-old was remarkable. The fact that Djokovic could break Zverev\u2019s serve twice in practice, despite the extended break, showed his competitive edge remains intact.<\/p>\n Djokovic\u2019s Quest for History at the US Open<\/p>\n Djokovic enters the US Open with 24 Grand Slam titles, the most in men\u2019s tennis history. His four US Open crowns\u00a0came in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2023, making him one of the most successful players at Flushing Meadows.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Serbian\u2019s 2025 season has been strategically planned<\/a> around the major tournaments. After skipping several events to manage his schedule, he focused his energy on Grand Slam preparation.<\/p>\n Should Djokovic capture his fifth US Open title, he would stand alone with 25 Grand Slam victories, extending his record as the most successful male player in tennis history. To achieve this, he is willing to make coaching changes and include his mentor, Monica Seles<\/a>, in his coaching team.<\/p>\n