"Time is running out" - Boris Becker offers blunt take on Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning 25th Grand Slam in Alcaraz-Sinner era

Boris Becker opined on Novak Djokovic's probability of winning a Grand Slam since he is now competing at 38, and Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are lowering his chances one major after another. Djokovic lost to Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the semifinals, losing his Wimbledon run.

Novak Djokovic, who ties with Margaret Court with the most Grand Slam wins in history, has been trying his best to eclipse the latter and clinch his 25th major title. Having last tasted success in 2023, winning the Australian Open, the French Open, and the US Open, the Serb has had close calls at every major outing.

In 2025, he lost to Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semifinals and to Jannik Sinner at the French Open and Wimbledon. Following that, former German player and analyst Boris Becker discussed Djokovic's chances of winning his 25th Grand Slam, noting that Sinner and Alcaraz's primes are more refined than the Serb's. Instead of taking an emotional route, Becker spilled logic and stated that the Serb's time is running out.

"I'm glad Novak has made it to the semi-finals of a major tournament again, but is that enough for him? He's still playing tennis because he wants to win that 25th Grand Slam, he wants to become the sole record holder, but you have to recognize that, on their good days, Sinner and Alcaraz are better than Djokovic was on his good days . That may frustrate him, but it's the reality. The question is: how realistic is it to think Novak could now have a chance to win another Grand Slam? Time is running out for him."

Djokovic, the only player to complete two Career Golden Masters, held the No. 1 rank for a record 428 weeks.

Novak Djokovic discussed why his match-up against Jannik Sinner was the biggest challenge for him

Sinner and Djokovic at Wimbledon 2025 semifinals - (Source: Getty)

Novak Djokovic suffered an injury at the end of his quarterfinal match against Flavio Cobolli but advanced to the semifinals against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who didn't let the Serb win a single set. In a press conference later, the greatest player acknowledged that competing against the current bests, Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, would only happen if he pushes his limits.

"I lost in straight sets to Jannik in the semis of Roland Garros. I think I played a solid match. I could’ve played better. But he was just a better player when the moments were important. I get another opportunity," the 38-year-old said. "For me this is what counts the most. Being in the last stages of Slams. Playing against the best player in the world right now.. him next to (Carlos) Alcaraz are the leaders of men’s tennis today. Couldn’t ask for a bigger challenge for myself. I look forward to it. I’ll do my best to get ready and perform my best there," he added.

Djokovic won his maiden Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games, achieving the Career Golden Slam as only the thirteenth player in history.

Edited by Agnijeeta Majumder