Novak Djokovic, throughout the entirety of 2025, has been supremely selective with which tournaments he’s opted to play.
It has been a conscious effort made by the Serbian to preserve his body in order to peak at the Grand Slam events.
And, although he is yet to win his coveted, record-breaking 25th, few can argue with the results he’s attained throughout the year.
But, for a man chasing the ultimate goal, three semi-finals are simply not good enough.
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He will view the US Open as a golden opportunity to finally achieve this feat, given how unpredictable this event can often be, and as a four-time champion in the past.
Andy Roddick, having watched him practice ahead of this final major of the year, is certainly not writing off his chances.
Andy Roddick left stunned after watching Novak Djokovic practice for the US Open
Speaking on his Served with Andy Roddick podcast, the former world number one delved into the recently released US Open draw to assess everyone’s chances with this crucial context.
Naturally, Novak Djokovic was a main topic, given the narrative surrounding him as he continues to chase glory.
And, Roddick actually offered a unique insight into his chances, having watched him train with Alexander Zverev in the run-up to the Grand Slam.
He revealed: “Novak Djokovic, I mean, he is kind of playing tennis this year, and he has made three semi-finals in Grand Slams at 38 years old. It’s unbelievable.
“I was watching him right before we came over to this stage, and even in practice, there is never a shot that looks panicked. It’s always under control.
“He has not played since Wimbledon and was practising with Zverev. I saw him break him twice in practice. It’s 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’m not one of the best players in the world any more and save himself that question over and over again.”
Can Novak Djokovic really win Grand Slam number 25?
Djokovic is an individual who should never be written off, no matter how bleak his form or fitness may look.
Fortunately, the latter should certainly be in pristine condition, given he has not played since Wimbledon.
He will return to New York refreshed and revitalised, and hopefully having exorcised the demons of his All-England Club defeat to Jannik Sinner.
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The Italian, alongside Carlos Alcaraz, mark his two biggest competitors for the title.
However, with the former having just retired midway through the Cincinnati Open final with illness, and Alcaraz having been handed a brutal US Open draw, things are looking up for the 39-year-old.
Djokovic has every chance of winning his 25th Grand Slam title in the coming weeks.