Tennis icon Chris Evert has cast doubt on Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning another Grand Slam title while also asserting she “would never underestimate him.”
Djokovic‘s most recent Grand Slam triumph was the record-extending 24th men’s major title he secured at the 2023 US Open.
The former world No 1, who will turn 38 on May 22, will have his next opportunity to add to his major tally at the 2025 French Open, which will run from May 25 to June 8.
The Serbian has lost the last three matches he has played in straight sets, with a defeat to Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final followed by disappointing opening match exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid.
Djokovic chose to skip the Italian Open after his Madrid loss to Matteo Arnaldi, and he has added the event in Geneva to his schedule in the week before Roland Garros. He also played the ATP 250 in Switzerland last year.
The world No 6 reached the quarter-finals at last year’s French Open before he was forced to withdraw ahead of his match with Casper Ruud with a meniscus tear. Djokovic won his third French Open title in 2023.
In an interview with Forbes, Evert shared her thoughts on Djokovic’s Grand Slam quest ahead of the clay-court major.
“I would never underestimate him, but I would be surprised if he won another major, let’s put it that way,” said the 18-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1.
“I mean, you’ve got to give the guy credit. This guy’s won everything, more than anybody. I would never say he’s not going to win, but I would be surprised.
“I would be pleasantly surprised, just with his results in the past and he’s human… I’m not feeling it.
“I’ve seen him play brilliantly on grass, and he’s won Wimbledon so many times, that’s why I can’t say, ‘no, he’s not gonna win another one.’ I don’t think it’s gonna be the French Open… but you can never count him out.”
