Djokovic says he's 'more concerned than ever' about his body after US Open win

When Novak Djokovic, a 38‑year‑old Serbian champion, stepped onto the court at US Open 2025Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 5, he sounded more like a careful mechanic than a tennis legend. The three‑set victory over Britain’s Cameron Norrie earned his 192nd Grand Slam win on hard courts, yet the post‑match interview with ESPN revealed a worry you don’t hear from a player who’s still winning majors.

Why the concern matters now

The Serbian star pulled a painful grimace in the first set after a scramble at the net – a moment when he seemed to grab his lower back, wobble, then head for the locker room. ATP physiotherapist Clay Sniteman administered treatment before Djokovic returned to serve at 5‑4. "More concerned than I have ever been," he told reporters, admitting that age has started to rewrite his recovery playbook.

Physical tolls across the 2025 season

Djokovic’s back isn’t the only symptom. A medical timeout for a blister on his right big toe during his second‑round win over 22‑year‑old American Learner Tien on August 31 raised eyebrows. Commentators noted a dip in his energy, a subtle cue that his famed stamina might be slipping.

Four weeks later, in the sweltering heat of Shanghai, the 38‑year‑old fought through leg exhaustion and even vomited during a quarter‑final against Jaume Munar. "My leg was good, but there's always something happening with the body," he said after beating Zizou Bergs in the next round. The pattern of short‑term setbacks has sparked speculation about how long the Serbian can stay at the top of the men’s game.

What the numbers say

• 192nd Grand Slam win, most on hard courts in history.
• 15‑year reign as a top‑5 player (2008‑2023).
• 99 ATP singles titles, 24 Grand Slam crowns.
• Three medical timeouts at the US Open and Shanghai Masters combined.
• Average match time in 2025: 2 hours 12 minutes, up 14 minutes from 2024.

Reactions from the tennis world

Coach Goran Ivanišević told reporters that the team is "re‑evaluating every session" and may lean more on recovery than on on‑court drills. Meanwhile, the United States Tennis Association praised Djokovic’s honesty, noting that athletes who “listen to their bodies” often extend their careers.

Rival Taylor Fritz, set to meet Djokovic in the fourth round, said, "If he’s playing through pain, you respect that, but you also see an opportunity." Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz, a potential semifinal opponent, added, "We’re all feeling the grind. It’s the next generation learning from legends like Novak."

What this could mean for future majors

If Djokovic’s back and toe issues persist, tournament planners may see more strategic substitutions from younger contenders. The ATP has already hinted at tweaking the calendar to allow extra recovery days between Grand Slams. For the Serbian, the decision could be as much about legacy as about medals – a choice between pushing for another title or preserving his health for the next decade.

Historically, players who have extended their prime past 35, such Federer and Nadal, all altered their training to focus on low‑impact work and strict sleep schedules. Djokovic’s own statement – "sometimes I don't train between matches" – mirrors that shift. Whether the new regimen pays off will be measured in the next few weeks, especially if he faces Alcaraz in a possible semifinal.

Looking ahead: the next chapters

After the US Open, Djokovic will head back to Europe for the Paris Masters and then to the indoor season in Vienna. The next public update is slated for the Paris event on October 15, where his team hopes to provide a clearer picture of his back's condition. Fans can also expect a candid interview with BBC Sport during the ATP Finals in Turin, where he may finally spell out his long‑term plan.