When it comes to the Serb's Slam year in 2025, he had four semifinal outings - retired to Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open, lost to Sinner in the French Open and Wimbledon semifinals, before also losing to Alcaraz in the last-four stage at the US Open.

Novak Djokovic can still crack a joke when discussing the Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner rivalry that for two years has prevented him from becoming the most decorated tennis player ever.

Novak Djokovic refused to let anything stop his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam trophy in the Australian Open quarterfinals. Not a problem with his left leg. Not an early deficit. And not the kid across the net, Carlos Alcaraz, who was making things ...