Novak Djokovic Slams Serbian Media for Demanding Another Grand Slam Title: “It isn’t Mandatory”

Ever since Novak Djokovic broke the record by becoming the first man in the Open Era to win 24 Grand Slams, there has been widespread anticipation over when he would win his record-breaking 25th major. The former World No.1 has come close to achieving that on several occasions since 2023, but has not been lucky enough.

He won his 24th Slam at the 2023 US Open after defeating Daniil Medvedev, taking his major title tally to match Margaret Court‘s. The following year, he reached the final of the Wimbledon Championships with the intention of finally becoming the all-time major winner in professional tennis, but he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets.

Last year, he reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams, losing two times to Jannik Sinner and once to Alcaraz. He then earned his first win over Sinner in two years at the Australian Open in January and was aiming to win the championship after winning the first set in the final match against Alcaraz. But the Spaniard rallied from behind to win the Melbourne Grand Slam.

Another opportunity slipped away at the 2026 Wimbledon, as Djokovic fell short against Sinner in the semi-finals. The 39-year-old had battled past Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarter-finals after a thrilling five-hour, 15-minute clash and was seeking to upset defending champion Sinner in the semi-finals.

However, Djokovic was unable to replicate his Australian Open heroics as Sinner swept past the seven-time champion 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to reach his second consecutive Wimbledon final at the All England Club. In his media interview, a Serbian journalist asked about when he would win his 25th Slam, and Djokovic replied that it is not mandatory to win another major championship:

Winning another Grand Slam isn’t the ultimate, mandatory goal. It’s very important that you know I’m under a lot of pressure from people in my inner circle, and also from the media. I understand that people really want me to win that 25th Grand Slam, and I want it too, but that’s not the ultimate goal. Let’s put things in perspective. It’s starting to bother me a bit because, somehow, I feel like I’m not enough for myself…

Sinner will now face Alexander Zverev in the final of Wimbledon on Sunday (July 12). The latter is seeking to win two consecutive major titles this season, while Sinner will hope to claim his first of the year. Zverev is on an unbeaten run of 13 matches in Grand Slams and has lost just one of his last 21 matches on tour.

Novak Djokovic says he should be celebrated for his achievements on tour and not questioned about another Slam

Before and after each Grand Slam tournament for the past two seasons, there’s always a long debate on whether Novak Djokovic can win his 25th major title. The discussion will go on in the media and amongst fans on social media. Djokovic, who has recently prioritized major events over other tournaments, has somehow helped fuel the debate.

But after losing to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals on Friday (July 10), the 39-year-old was not pleased with the number of questions about whether he could win another Grand Slam. He admitted that instead of asking questions, there should be a celebration of what he has achieved already:

As if 24 Grand Slams weren’t enough and only 25 were; as if 100 titles weren’t enough and it had to be 110; as if 400 weeks as number one weren’t enough and it had to be 1,000. Let’s celebrate and rejoice for what has been achieved and be a little more modest, realistic and grateful in that sense. That’s my reminder to myself because I’m really sick of talking about when 25 will be… and what if it never comes? Is it then a failed career?

Djokovic has played in just five tournaments this season, the bulk of which have been Grand Slam events. There’s anticipation that he will play in just one tournament before the US Open, or might arrive at the event without a lead-up tournament. Whatever it is, he’s expected to compete at Flushing Meadows this year.

Also Read: Boris Becker Shares Concerns After Watching Carlos Alcaraz Train: “Still Far Off I Am Afraid”