Why I still believe Novak Djokovic can win another major ATP title in 2027 and Steve Johnson is wrong

Novak Djokovic endured a disappointing end to the 2026 season.

After winning his eighth China Open title in September, the Serbian superstar struggled to secure victories, suffering surprise defeats in Shanghai, Basel and Paris.

Over the last month, Djokovic has been defeated by world number 47 Jan-Lennard Struff, 83rd-ranked Rinky Hijikata, and number 34 Hubert Hurkacz.

These results prompted Steve Johnson to make a bold prediction.

“I think it’s official for me that Novak is not in contention for any big tournaments anymore. I’m done. You never count him out, but I am starting to feel like 25 is not happening,” Johnson said on the Nothing Major Show.

It is simply too soon to make an argument such as this.

Why Steve Johnson is wrong about Novak Djokovic

Of course, one cannot make such an argument without first analysing the facts of the matter at hand.

Djokovic has struggled to end the season – there is no question. The 24-time major champion has simply not looked like a player capable of winning big titles in the future.

However, even at 39 years old, it would be a mistake to count out Novak Djokovic.

Time and time again Djokovic has been underestimated, with onlookers incorrectly casting negative aspersions about the Serb’s future.

It must be noted that Djokovic has been battling an illness throughout the season; and although the Serb has struggled as of late, he defeated Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev en route to the China Open title not too long ago.

Novak Djokovic’s run to the 2026 China Open title

• R1: defeated Nuno Borges 6-3, 7-6

• R2: defeated Yunchaokete Bu 4-6, 7-6, 6-2

• QF: defeated Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4

• SF: defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-3 [DEFAULTED]

• F: defeated Alex de Minaur 7-6, 0-1 [RETIRED]

The simple message is this: Doubt Novak Djokovic at your peril.

Novak Djokovic’s health situation has improved

One would not be surprised if Djokovic competes for the biggest and best titles in 2027.

The Serbian star appears to be recovering from an illness that has hampered his form throughout 2026, and this development could boost his chances of winning a major title next year.

“This year the focus shifted to feeling well on the court rather ⁠than playing well, to be honest, because for most of the tournaments I played, ​I didn’t play many, it was health-wise a big struggle,” Djokovic said ahead of the Paris Masters.

“It had ​nothing to do with my preparation or whether I’m training enough, because I see there are a lot of people that love to express expert opinions on knowing exactly what’s happening with me, ​but they don’t.”

“Whenever I felt better on the court, and lately that’s been the case, we’re getting closer to solving what I have been going through in ​the last 12 months.”

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