Novak Djokovic ended 2025 as the clear world No. 3 in tennis, his dream of a 25th Grand Slam title appearing farther than ever, though the year began with strong promise after knee surgery recovery, a Wimbledon final, and Olympic gold over Carlos Alcaraz.
At the Australian Open, Djokovic stunned with a quarterfinal win over Alcaraz in four sets, using brilliant disruptive tactics to break his rival’s rhythm and reach the semifinals as a title favorite. However, a serious injury forced his retirement within an hour of the semifinal, proving prophetic for his season as he never fully regained peak form.
Subsequent Grand Slams brought semifinal disappointments, with Djokovic appearing fatigued and low on energy, highlighting persistent issues in consistency and physical resilience despite flashes of brilliance against top players. The Australian withdrawal encapsulates his current state: capable of elite wins but hampered by recurring physical setbacks
