Novak Djokovic’s hopes of winning 25th Grand Slam at French Open assessed by John McEnroe

Ewan West 05 Jun 2025 4:46 PM

Pictured: Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic and John McEnroe

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic with John McEnroe inset

Tennis legend John McEnroe expressed his amazement at Novak Djokovic’s longevity and assessed the Serb’s chances of beating Jannik Sinner at the 2025 French Open.

Djokovic and Sinner will do battle in the semi-finals of the French Open after both delivered impressive quarter-final displays on Wednesday.

Sinner dismantled Alexander Bublik for the loss of just six games before Djokovic claimed a convincing four-set win against third seed Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic is bidding to win his fourth French Open title and a 25th Grand Slam in total, having secured his most recent major at the 2023 US Open.

The 38-year-old Serb would become the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in tennis history with victory at Roland Garros.

Sinner, meanwhile, is seeking his fourth major and third in a row after winning the 2024 US Open and 2025 Australian Open. The Italian is vying for a first Grand Slam crown outside of hard courts.

Speaking on TNT Sports, McEnroe spoke of the privilege of watching Djokovic’s career and addressed his quest for more Grand Slam history.

“Yeah, I’ve been lucky to have this job for 30 years and 20 of it watching this legend do his thing time and time again,” said the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion.

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“So it doesn’t surprise me in a way. It amazes me, but it doesn’t surprise me that he’s still able to play at this level. He wants it, still, this badly. It’s rather remarkable.

“It would make sense [for Djokovic to win his 25th Grand Slam in 2025]. As time goes on, even he you would think it’d get tougher for, but this is gonna get a whole lot tougher — I got news for you.

“Sinner’s come to play, he’s playing incredible tennis. Alcaraz was electric as well [in his quarter-final against Tommy Paul], I expect him to beat Musetti.

“So he is gonna have to rise to the occasion even more and play even better to win this tournament, Novak.”

The American legend then outlined the plan he feels Djokovic will adopt against Sinner.

“The path tactically is to do what most guys need to do, which is serve big,” McEnroe continued.

“He’s gonna have to use the crowd, which I think will be behind him. He’ll be the underdog coming into the match.

“Believe it or not — I know this sounds crazy at 38 — test Sinner, who hasn’t played that much tennis, hasn’t lost a set. So the longer it goes, there could be a question of where his fitness it at and if the nerves get to him. So that’s what he’s gonna try to do.”

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