Djokovic’s twilight battle, the journey is far from over

At the moment he lost the second-set tiebreak in the US Open semifinals, a subtle look of realization flashed across Djokovic’s eyes; perhaps at that instant, he had already foreseen the outcome of the match. Alcaraz advanced to the final without dropping a set, and as Djokovic watched the volley on match point sail out of bounds, he wasted no time standing near the net, ready to offer his congratulations to the younger player who had defeated him.

When Alcaraz approached the net, Djokovic, feeling a bittersweet emotion, greeted the younger player with a smile. That smile held so much meaning: genuine admiration for his opponent, acceptance of reality, and the comfort of a reigning champion witnessing the passing of the torch.

Djokovic reached the semifinals in all four Grand Slams this season. For most professionals, making a single Grand Slam semifinal is a career highlight, but for Djokovic, this achievement resembles a barrier difficult to overcome at the age of 38. His battle-worn body, scarred from countless fights, struggles to maintain peak form against the vigor of younger competitors.

Throughout six rounds at this US Open, Djokovic displayed not just skill but a resilience that transcends age. He maintained a clear edge over rising stars like Norrie and Fritz and engaged in an intense, thrilling battle against the new powerhouse Alcaraz in the semifinals. Aside from the 38-year-old Djokovic, no other player in today’s tennis world bridges generations so effectively.

After falling to Alcaraz in three sets in the semifinals, Djokovic’s 2025 US Open run came to an end. Facing the new titan Alcaraz, he could not find a breakthrough; the miracle did not occur, and the goal of 25 Grand Slam titles remains unfulfilled, replaced by increasing pain and physical limitations. This year, although he reached the semifinals in all Grand Slams he entered, he could not advance further—except for withdrawing from the Australian Open due to injury—losing the other three to new giants Sinner and Alcaraz.

After the match, Djokovic stated that next year’s Grand Slams remain his goals for continued effort. So, what drives the 38-year-old Serbian to keep fighting?That shining Olympic gold medal is surely part of the answer. Last summer, he defeated Alcaraz on the world’s biggest stage at the Olympics, earning the highest honor of his career after five Olympic appearances. The Olympic gold will undoubtedly inspire him to push forward toward his next target.

But a deeper reason may lie in Djokovic’s love for tennis itself and his relentless pursuit of excellence in his career. He once said that as long as he has the competitive strength to win titles, he is willing to continue his professional journey. This competitiveness may no longer be as overwhelming as before but remains enough to keep him competing at the highest level.

Djokovic has made it clear that “Grand Slams are the only schedule that matters,” reflecting a clear self-awareness and strategic adjustment. After the US Open, he needs to carefully repair his battered body to prepare for the next battle.Next year’s Australian Open will be Djokovic’s last Grand Slam before turning 39. We still hope for a miracle from the King of Melbourne. After all, Djokovic’s entire career has been about proving that miracles are not accidental but the result of persistence combined with talent.

Each match Djokovic plays is one less to watch, yet every appearance remains highly anticipated. Not only because each victory might set a new record but also because he embodies a spirit: never giving up, constantly challenging himself, even when facing inevitable aging and stronger new-generation opponents.

The tennis world will remember this Serbian who defied fate, the countless brilliant moments he delivered, and the courage he showed in his twilight years. Djokovic’s story is far from over; even if he is no longer the absolute king, he remains an indispensable soul of the sport.

While awaiting the next miracle, we should also learn to appreciate the persistence of legends—not because they always win, but because they choose to stand on the court despite knowing they might lose.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei)