Novak Djokovic started his 2026 tennis season strongly by reaching the final of the Australian Open, marking his first Grand Slam final appearance since 2024. Despite a well-fought effort, Djokovic fell short in his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, losing the final to Carlos Alcaraz. Still, his ability to compete at the highest level at age 38 continues to impress many, including fellow Serbian player Miomir Kecmanovic.
Kecmanovic recently shared insights into Djokovic’s unexpected focus during training sessions while appearing on the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, shedding light on what keeps the 24-time Grand Slam champion competitive despite the challenges of age.
Miomir Kecmanovic Describes His Relationship and Observations of Djokovic’s Training
Serbian athlete Miomir Kecmanovic explained his dynamic with Djokovic during the podcast, mentioning that although they are not as close as Djokovic is with longtime friends Viktor Troicki and Janko Tipsarevic, they maintain a friendly and respectful relationship. Kecmanovic stated,
“I mean, we have a normal relationship,”
while also noting,
“But whenever there was something, we’d talk, or we’re in a tournament, or if something is going on, we’ve always been very friendly with each other.”
Kecmanovic’s observations extend to Djokovic’s preparation during their off-season training in Dubai. He remarked that what Djokovic was focusing on during practice was unexpected for someone at his stage in his career.
“It’s crazy, I don’t think anybody expected it, to be honest,”
Kecmanovic said, adding,
“But, we practiced during the off-season in Dubai, the stuff he was working on and how he looked then, it was really surprising that he could still do that, at that age.”
He expressed hope for Djokovic’s chances moving forward:
“Hopefully, he still has it in him to get that one more he needs.”
Djokovic’s Competitive Record and Grand Slam Pursuit
Djokovic and Kecmanovic have faced each other four times in ATP Tour events and once in the Davis Cup, where they teamed up but were defeated by Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego in 2023. Their interactions highlight both friendly rivalry and collaboration among top Serbian tennis players.
Since winning his 24th Grand Slam trophy at the 2023 US Open, Djokovic has participated in nine more majors without adding to his record. He has reached two finals since that victory but ran into setbacks against Alcaraz, including at the recent Australian Open where he managed to win a set but ultimately lost the match.
The question of whether Djokovic can secure another Grand Slam title remains open. With his current level of play demonstrated earlier in the year, it is unclear but still possible.
The Historical Context of Djokovic’s Grand Slam Achievements
Djokovic currently shares the all-time Grand Slam title record with Margaret Court, both holding 24 major championships. Serena Williams follows closely with 23, while Steffi Graf and Rafael Nadal each have 22 titles. Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam would place him alone at the top of this historic list, a feat that would further cement his legacy as one of tennis’s greatest players.
Upcoming Opportunities and Tournament Calendar
Djokovic’s next significant chance to add to his Grand Slam wins is widely anticipated to be Wimbledon, an event where he has enjoyed substantial success throughout his career. The 2026 Wimbledon Championships are scheduled to begin on Monday, June 29, providing a key target for his season.
Before then, Djokovic will return to ATP Tour competition at the Indian Wells tournament starting Wednesday, March 4. With several tournaments ahead, there remains considerable opportunity for Djokovic to regain form and challenge for major titles once again.
