Novak Djokovic eyes big Roger Federer record as 2025 season nears end

Novak Djokovic is on the verge of breaking a big Roger Federer record, and the Serbian legend may try and achieve the feat before the end of the 2025 season. Djokovic is just a few wins away from matching Federer’s record of 103 career titles. The 38-year-old completed his 100th career title win after his victory at the 2025 Geneva Open earlier in May.

Now, Djokovic has a chance to reach or even surpass Federer’s iconic mark before the year ends. The next big target for him is the 2025 Shanghai Masters, which is taking place at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena from October 1 to 12. Djokovic will try to lift his 101st trophy here and inch a step closer to Federer’s record. He has already won the first two rounds and has reached the pre-quarterfinals.

He will also be the clear favourite at the Hellenic Championships in Athens, Greece. If Djokovic wins both, he will be just one tournament away from levelling Federer’s record of 103 career titles. Djokovic might then also take part in the Paris Masters and the ATP Tour Finals in November this year to reach the milestone before the end of the 2025 season.

More from Tennis

Novak Djokovic beats old foe Marin Cilic in historic match on return at Shanghai Masters: ‘I dug myself out of trouble’ Djokovic slams top stars after Alcaraz criticises hectic schedule, skips Shanghai: 'Players not united enough'

Djokovic is currently playing Jaume Munar in the Round of 16 of the Shanghai Masters. He has never lost to Munar and will look to keep the winning streak intact. Djokovic had defeated Marin Cilic and Yannick Hanfmann in the Rounds 64 and 32, respectively.

Djokovic will chase 25th Grand Slam title next year

Meanwhile, Djokovic tried very hard to win his elusive 25th Grand Slam title this year, but Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner made it a tough task for him. He reached the semifinals of all four majors this season but couldn’t cross the finish line even once. Now, he will have to wait until next year to attempt the unprecedented record. He is currently level with Margaret Court’s record of 24 titles.

In men’s tennis, no active player is even close to Djokovic’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. Rafael Nadal has 22, while Federer has 20. But these two have already retired from tennis, making Djokovic the sole leader.