At Monte Carlo 2025, Djokovic left fans bewildered when he was eliminated in the opening match. “Nole” lost to Tabilo quickly after 2 sets with the scores of 3-6, 4-6 respectively. But what is worth mentioning is not just the defeat, but the way Djokovic lost to Tabilo. He had 29 unforced errors, lost the break 3 times and appeared to lack vitality.

Former tennis player Arnaud Clement commented on Djokovic’s performance: “The shocking story here is not Djokovic’s elimination, but his attitude and spirit. Djokovic looked unhappy, lacking energy. He did not look like a player determined to win.”

Contrary to Arnaud Clement’s concerns, former world number one Jim Courier expressed optimism about “Nole”: “It’s really hard to believe that Djokovic is still playing professionally. The only reason he hasn’t stopped is because Djokovic wants to become the first person to have 25 Grand Slam titles in singles. I believe Djokovic is capable of achieving that goal. 

Djokovic seems to be calculating his peak form to dream of conquering his 25th Grand Slam in 2025.

Djokovic learned from Federer. In the past, Federer always chose the right time to rest. Djokovic learned from Federer by focusing only on the key stages, instead of getting caught up in the endless cycle of tournaments.”

Djokovic also admitted that he did not expect much when he came to Monte Carlo. Therefore, it is completely possible to judge that the Serbian tennis player proactively left this playground to aim for bigger tournaments. 

Winning a Grand Slam is not an easy goal for Djokovic at the moment, as his fitness is declining. But when “Nole” is at his best and determined, anything can happen. Djokovic still has Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open to conquer in the rest of the 2025 season.

In 2024, Djokovic did not have a Grand Slam title. But he still won the Olympic Gold Medal, the only major title that the 1987-born tennis player was missing at that time.