'Everyone jumped on me when I made Novak Djokovic claim – I've been proven right'
Novak Djokovic has reached the US Open semi-finals after defeating Taylor Fritz, and former tennis star Gilles Simon has stood by his earlier prediction.
Gilles Simon doubled down on his bold Novak Djokovic prediction, which the Serbian is trying to squash at the US Open. The former world No.6 has been vindicated to date after receiving criticism in the past for suggesting Djokovic would not record 30 grand slam wins and that 25 major titles would be his limit before he eventually retired.
Simon’s past claim has aged well, although Djokovic is still chasing his elusive 25th major at the US Open. The 38-year-old is set to face Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows after defeating American Taylor Fritz over four sets. Djokovic holds the record for men’s grand slam singles titles but was widely expected to continue dominating the sport in the final years of his career. However, the emergence of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have won the last seven majors between them, has subsequently supported Simon’s contrary view, with Djokovic not adding to his grand slam tally since winning the US Open two years ago.
In a Q&A session on X at the start of the US Open last week, when asked whether Djokovic would win a 25th title, Simon replied: “It seems difficult to me, even with Novak.
"Everyone jumped on me when I said he would finish with 25 Grand Slam titles, but certainly not 30, and in the end, time is doing its work for him as it does for everyone else.”
Djokovic, who has played through the pain barrier at the US Open, is aware that he is in the final stages of his career and has adopted a lighter schedule to aid his grand slam performances. Simon, who retired in 2022, detailed why Djokovic’s selective approach is not necessarily possible for every professional tennis player.
“On paper, he is not free,” Simon explained. “These tournaments are mandatory; otherwise, there are penalties in terms of ranking, money (for the end-of-year bonus), etc. But these penalties are insignificant for a player like Novak, so as he says, he has earned the right to play wherever he wants.”
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
It is easy to see why Simon’s prediction was not originally a widely shared opinion. In 2023, Djokovic won three of the four majors, only losing to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.
However, last year saw the 38-year-old end the season without a grand slam triumph for the first time since 2017. He did reach the Wimbledon final, but was again defeated by Alcaraz.
To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or tennis newsletter
It is not that Djokovic has dropped off significantly as he approaches retirement, having reached the semi-finals of all three majors this year before the US Open. However, the combination of his advancing years and the improvement of his younger rivals has meant that Djokovic is no longer a level above his most difficult opponents, as he admitted after his quarter-final victory over Fritz.
"Incredibly close match," Djokovic said in his on-court interview. "It was really anybody's match. I thought I was lucky to save some crucial break points in the second set. I think for most of the second and third set, he was a better player. In these kind of matches, a few points decide the winner."
He will face Alcaraz in the next round on Friday, with Djokovic winning their last two meetings at the Paris Olympics and this year’s Australian Open. Meanwhile, Alcaraz appeared to enjoy his straight sets victory over Jiri Lehecka.
“I'm really happy the way I'm serving right now, and that's why I'm playing with such joy - no pressure at all,” he told Sky Sports. "This is the way I love playing tennis and I'm trying to follow it that way. When I have the opportunity to bring a hot shot, I just think, 'Why not?' I'm here to entertain the people."