As the tennis world sets its sights on the Madrid Open, all eyes are on Novak Djokovic, who is returning to the courts with one goal: winning an astonishing 100th title on the tour. The Serbian tennis legend is well-versed in milestones, but this one is indeed special: It will catapult him into a select few in the history of the sport that have made it to the 100 fray marks.
Road to 100: Legendary Career
Djokovic enters Madrid with 99 ATP titles, with only Jimmy Connors (109), Roger Federer (103), and Ivan Lendl (94) above him on the all-time list. With many Grand Slam titles, consistent performance, and an unmatched will, Djokovic’s career has seen the laying of a legacy more than three decades old. His pursuit of 100 demands some attention, and, naturally, the tennis world is buzzing.
The 36-year-old’s start to the 2025 season has comparatively been quiet. After an early surprise exit at the Aussie Open, he has skipped a few smaller events to protect his energy for the Grand Slam calendar and other major ATP events. His return to the clay courts of Madrid is both tactical and symbolic.
Madrid Magic: An Old Hunting Grounds
The Open has been a cherry tunic for Djokovic. Winning three titles on the floors (2011, 2016, and 2019), the famous altitude in the Spanish capital favors his heavy-hitting baseline style of play. This year, however, the competition is fiercer than ever, with rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner leading the brigade alongside time-honored contenders such as Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Djokovic’s preparation has been intense and focused. He is known as a rigorous trainer and is leaving no stone unturned in his endeavor for yet another historical achievement: the world number one engaging in mindful training.
Tennis Players and Fans Show Respect for Djokovic’s Longevity
As Novak Djokovic moves closer to this remarkable landmark, admiration for his career and for his durability, from both players and fans, has been widely expressed. Other ATP players have praised his adaptability on clay courts, where he has frequently faced the dominance of Rafael Nadal.
“He has done so much for this sport. To see him chasing 100 titles now is just incredible,” Andy Murray said in a recent talk. “I think the crowds in Madrid will be huge because they want to see history.”
From a Greater Perspective: Gaining Momentum Towards Roland Garros
While Madrid is a chance to get him his 100th title, it is quite a vital step towards the French Open. Novak Djokovic will look for an extended opportunity for the 25th Grand Slam title in Roland Garros, and a good result at Madrid would help set the tone for his clay season.
Winning in Madrid will not just get him 100 but would also serve as a timely reminder that he is not done yet; the ability of younger competitors pushing into Djokovic’s long-time territory.
What the Future Holds for Novak Djokovic
Even while he plays up to this point, Djokovic is concentrating on other long-term goals. The Serbian player doesn’t seem to have retirement anywhere in sight and keeps innovating his game while maintaining a superb physical form.
“I still feel that motivation and passion in me to compete at the highest level,” Djokovic said in a recent press conference. “One hundred titles is just a number, but it means so much to me personally, and I hope I will make it happen in Madrid.”
Conclusion
This moment promises to be most historic in tennis. With Novak Djokovic returning to the Madrid Open for his 100th career title, tennis again teeters at the brink of the great. Whether this week or in time to come, one thing is certain—Novak Djokovic’s legacy is far from written.
