The Serbian star kicked off his season with a strong showing at the Australian Open, securing a big win against his Spanish rival.
In four sets, Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz, booking his place in the semi-finals, where he retired injured against Alexander Zverev.
There, he came face to face with the German once more, getting his revenge, as Djokovic beat Zverev 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Losing to Jannik Sinner in his next match, Djokovic suffered a second consecutive Grand Slam semi-final exit.
As the Serb looks to go one better at Wimbledon, a tournament he’s won seven times before, John Isner and Sam Querrey have rated his chances.
Sam Querrey says Novak Djokovic might think ‘this is the last chance’ for him to win a major
During the latest episode of the Nothing Major podcast, Isner predicted who will win Wimbledon on the men’s side.
“I’m not trying to have a hot take. [Novak] Djokovic, as we know, doesn’t play grass-court warm-up events; he might play one of those exhibitions. It’s been a long time since he’s played a couple of weeks proceeding Wimbledon,” said Isner.
“But he has a lot of matches in his system, he’s there practising, I think he can get it done.”
Querrey went on to suggest what Djokovic may be thinking to himself heading into his 20th Wimbledon tournament.
“Djokovic might be looking at this in his head, thinking this is the last chance for me to win a major, this is the one,” he said.
“That’s what I think, his focus, he’s always crazy focused, but I think, this is [the one], that’s why I’m going with Novak, I think he’s dialled,” added Isner.
“In my mind, on the men’s side, there are three favorites and then everyone else. I don’t think any of us are going to veer from those top three,” said Isner.
“You think there are three favorites? There are two – [Jannik] Sinner, [Carlos] Alcaraz, or the field. You’re throwing Djokovic in there with them?” questioned Querrey.
“The proper bet is Sinner, Alcaraz, or the field, but if we are talking about who could possibly win, I think there are three guys. I’m with you, it’s Sinner, Alcaraz, or the field, just like it was at the French Open,” said Isner in response.
After picking Alcaraz to win the title initially, Querrey changed his mind and chose to back the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
“I want to switch my pick, I’m off Alcaraz, I’m onto Djokovic,” he said.
Sam Querrey looks on during the 2023 US Open Pickleball tournament
Photo by Bruce Yeung/Getty Images
Weighing in with his thoughts, Steve Johnson picked Alcaraz as his 2025 Wimbledon champion.
“On the men’s side, it’s so boring, Carlos,” he said.
“Winning it three times in a row is going to be hard, but his record on grass is insane.
“He’s healthy, nothing seems to be bothering him, he’s just won Queen’s, he’s going to have a great week of practice, and he’s going to get through the end and get another title.”
Giving his verdict on Djokovic’s Wimbledon chances, Johnson wasn’t sure the Serb could beat both Alcaraz and Sinner en route to the title.
“Novak needs to not play Sinner or Alcaraz in the quarters, that’s a massive [factor]. In the same tournament, can he go back-to-back beating Alcaraz and Sinner?” he asked.
“I think he could, it’d be a tough task,” said Isner.
“I don’t think he can,” answered Querrey.
Novak Djokovic can tie Roger Federer’s record if he wins Wimbledon in 2025
Swiss legend Roger Federer holds the record for Wimbledon title wins with eight, having dominated on the grass during his career.
Djokovic is sitting just behind Federer on seven wins, level with two more Wimbledon greats.
Rank Name Nationality Titles Years won
1 Roger Federer Swiss 8 2003-2017
T-2 Novak Djokovic Serbian 7 2011-2022
T-2 Pete Sampras American 7 1993-2000
T-2 William Renshaw British 7 1881-1889
T-5 Bjorn Borg Swedish 5 1976-1980
T-5 Laurence Doherty British 5 1902-1906
T-7 Rod Laver Australian 4 1961-1969
T-7 Anthony Wilding New Zealand 4 1910-1913
T-7 Reginald Doherty British 4 1897-1900
All-time Wimbledon wins
The Serb would no doubt love to add an eighth title to his collection and join Federer at the top of the Wimbledon mountain in 2025.
Djokovic will begin his Wimbledon campaign against Alexandre Muller on Tuesday, July 1.
