The last time Novak Djokovic won a Grand Slam title was way back in 2023, when the Serbian triumphed at the US Open. Almost two years later, when Djokovic entered Wimbledon, he had only one vision: end the losing streak and win his 25th Slam. “I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance,” the 38-year-old said before the tournament began. “That’s because of the results I have had, because of how I feel, and how I play in Wimbledon. I get an extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level.”

Well, considering how dominant Novak has been on grass courts over the years, Wimbledon actually is the best chance to win his 25th. The Serbian has not missed the Gentlemen’s final since 2017, winning four of the last six editions. And as expected, Djokovic kicked off his 2025 Wimbledon campaign with a first-round win [6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2] against Frenchman Alexandre Muller after some early struggles.

Watching him struggle in the second set, when asked if he was still confident, the Serbian did not mince his words. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I had a chance,” Djokovic said during the on-court interview.

Moreover, he also cherished his love for Wimbledon, saying, “I’ve had arguably the most consistent success on any Grand Slam here in Wimbledon in the last decade. The last six editions I played, I played six finals.” But then he spilled out the truth, making an honest confession about his biggest roadblock. “So you know, always enjoyed myself playing on this court, except when I played (Carlos) Alcaraz in the last couple of years.” Rightly so. After all, Alcaraz has bested the Serbian in two successive finals (2023 and 2024) on the Center Court.

In fact, the Spaniard was the one who broke Djokovic’s Wimbledon winning streak in 2023. Prior to that, the Serbian clinched four straight Gentlemen’s trophies. But when Alcaraz faced him in the final on the Center Court, he couldn’t come out with a way to defeat the youngster. The latter eventually managed to pull off a famous victory with a score line of 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.

Then last season, too, Alcaraz proved why he might be the next grass king. In yet another showdown between the two on the Center Court, the five-time slam champion outplayed Djokovic in the final with a comfortable score line of 6-2, 6-2, 7-6. Now the question is: will he capture his third straight Wimbledon crown and solidify his grass supremacy in the long run? Seems like it.

Djokovic’s Wimbledon nemesis, Carlos Alcaraz, makes intentions clear

Carlos Alcaraz has already kicked off his 2025 Wimbledon journey with a win. On Monday, he bested Italy’s Fabio Fognini in a tough battle with a score line of  7-5, 6-7, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. Although the match stretched to five sets, the Spaniard showed why he’s regarded as one of the toughest players ever. He just knows how to come back from the most difficult situations. Didn’t we witness it during last month’s Roland Garros final against Jannik Sinner? Of course.

With that being said, Alcaraz has made it evident that he’s looking to not just have a great experience, again, at the grass major but also lift the trophy. Even before his campaign began, during a practice session, the former World No.1 confessed, “I’m coming here thinking that, yeah, I really want to win the title. I really want to lift the trophy. Not thinking about how many players have done it, winning three (in a row),”

In case Alcaraz ends up winning yet another Wimbledon title, he will become the first ATP player since Djokovic to capture three successive trophies at SW19. The Serbian did it in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. (The 2020 edition was canceled due to COVID-19). While one legend is chasing a magical figure, the other legend-in-the-making is seeking excellence. Who will succeed this year? We’ll soon find out in the next 11 days.

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