Novak Djokovic’s return to the US Open in 2025 has been anything but quiet. The 38-year-old Serbian superstar, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, kicked off his latest Grand Slam campaign with a resounding straight-sets victory over American Learner Tien. But it wasn’t just his on-court dominance that had fans buzzing—it was also his playful, headline-grabbing challenge to none other than Serena Williams, sparking a wave of speculation about a possible comeback for the American legend.
Djokovic, who boasts an astonishing 24 Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a record 428 weeks spent as world number one, is now in his 22nd season on tour. The numbers are staggering, and the records speak for themselves. Yet, as Djokovic himself admits, the journey is as much about legacy as it is about statistics. “It’s incredibly flattering to be called a GOAT… I prefer not to talk about it because I feel like it’s difficult to compare the different eras,” Djokovic said in a recent interview, showing humility even as he stands atop the tennis world.
His campaign at this year’s US Open began on August 22, 2025, with his 75th consecutive first-round Grand Slam win—a testament to his consistency and longevity. The match, played during the first-ever Sunday night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, saw Djokovic dispatch Tien in straight sets, further cementing his reputation as a player who thrives under the brightest lights and biggest stages.
But Djokovic’s return to New York wasn’t just about chasing a record 25th Major. After a summer spent balancing family time and training—three weeks of vacationing across Europe with loved ones, followed by three weeks of intense preparation—Djokovic arrived at Flushing Meadows feeling refreshed and focused. “I haven’t played any lead-up tournaments, so I had more time to practice and kind of get my body into the shape that is necessary,” he explained. The lighter schedule, he admitted, is a nod to the realities of competing against a new generation of stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have split the last seven Major titles between them.
“Obviously, every match can be the last match. It’s a knockout system, but at the same time you’re also thinking in advance about how you can progress in the tournament and still keep your fitness levels at par,” Djokovic said, highlighting the strategic approach that has defined his late-career resurgence. Despite not having won a Grand Slam in nearly two years—a rare drought for the Serbian ace—he remains confident in his ability to challenge the sport’s young guns. “There’s still drive, there’s still flair inside of me, and I still want to compete for the biggest trophies.”
Off the court, Djokovic is already laying the groundwork for his post-tennis life, building a brand in wellness and longevity and investing in various business ventures. Yet, he’s candid about the emotional difficulty of eventually saying goodbye to the sport that has defined his life. “It’s not going to be easy for me to say goodbye,” he conceded. “But I don’t think every single day about my retirement and how that’s going to look. I’m not stressed about it. When it comes, it’s going to come, and it’s going to be right for me.”
While Djokovic’s own future may be the subject of speculation, he managed to shift the spotlight during his post-match press conference by issuing a playful challenge to Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion and global icon. Williams, who last competed at the 2022 US Open, has described her departure from tennis as an “evolution” rather than a retirement, leaving the door slightly ajar for a potential return. Her recent appearance at the International Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Newport, where she delivered an eloquent speech honoring her old rival Maria Sharapova, only fueled the rumors.
With a grin, Djokovic addressed the assembled media: “She still hasn’t officially retired. So I invite her. I challenge her. Because she’s such a great competitor, when somebody challenges her, she never refuses. So I challenge Serena: Come back on the tour next year.” The lighthearted dare drew laughter from reporters and set social media ablaze, with fans and pundits alike wondering if Williams might actually take up the challenge.
Djokovic didn’t stop at the challenge. He praised Williams’ speech at the Hall of Fame, noting the deep respect and competitive fire that defined her rivalry with Sharapova: “As Serena explained beautifully in her speech, people thought they were miles apart in their differences, but actually, they were very much the same. They wanted the same thing and competed on the same tour for so many years.”
The idea of a Serena Williams comeback has been percolating for some time, with her sister Venus recently making her own return to competition. Their former mentor, Rick Macci, even hinted that the siblings might join forces in doubles at the US Open, adding more fuel to the speculation. “At the end of the day Serena can still play even though she has been away. Her serve is still one of the best on the planet and when she competes her mindset is like granite,” Macci remarked recently.
For Djokovic, the return of Williams to the tour would be a boon for tennis. “Of course, seeing Serena in any shape or form around tennis is great. You know, we miss her. She still hasn’t officially retired,” he said, echoing the sentiments of fans worldwide. With Williams occasionally posting glimpses of herself practicing and staying close to the sport through various appearances, the prospect of her comeback, while uncertain, remains tantalizingly possible.
As for Djokovic, his focus remains firmly on the task at hand: navigating the grueling best-of-five format at the US Open and keeping his body and mind sharp for the challenges ahead. “We discuss the strategy, we analyze on a daily basis and kind of revisit the topics of how does the body feel, what do we think in terms of the game, mentality, et cetera,” he said of his team’s preparations. The goal? To reach another Grand Slam final and, perhaps, claim that elusive 25th Major.
For now, the tennis world watches with bated breath. Djokovic is still in the hunt, Williams’ possible return is the talk of the tournament, and the US Open stage is set for more drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments. Whether or not Serena answers Djokovic’s challenge, one thing’s for sure: the conversation around tennis’ greatest champions is far from over.
