Djokovic's Road to a 25th Major in 2026 Centers on Health and Opportunity

Expert commentary stresses avoiding five-set wars to preserve recovery for rare openings against the leaders.

Overview

After a 2025 season with semifinal exits at all four Slams, Djokovic conceded that beating Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in best‑of‑five has become “very difficult.”
Season data show 13 events, two titles and four opening‑match defeats, underscoring the physical wear that limited sustained peak level.
Planning for 2026 points to tighter scheduling, possible emphasis on best‑of‑three events, and preserving a high seed that could shape more manageable draws; he is currently projected as the No. 4 seed in Melbourne.
Coach Rick Macci argues a 25th Major remains possible if Djokovic avoids five‑set marathons and if Alcaraz or Sinner are upset or sidelined, allowing cleaner progress through draws.
Former pro Sergiy Stakhovsky rates Djokovic a safer Slam bet than Alexander Zverev and notes the Serb’s focus on “reconstructing” his body ahead of the new season.