Tennis

Andy Roddick Reveals the One Question Novak Djokovic Still Needs To Answer

October 6, 2026

Novak Djokovic’s latest dominance in Beijing has only deepened the debate over whether his late-career brilliance can withstand the grueling demands of a Grand Slam. The 39-year-old extended his unbeaten streak in China Open finals to 34-0 by defeating Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals and claiming the title after Alex de Minaur retired in the final due to injury.

While Djokovic has repeatedly proven he can outplay the world’s best in short bursts—reaching Slam semifinals and the Australian Open final this year on a lighter schedule—former world No. 1 Andy Roddick argues the real test remains unanswered: Can he sustain elite form across five-set matches, multiple rounds, and extreme conditions over two weeks?

Roddick pointed to Djokovic’s limited preparation before the US Open, where he entered after just one match in six weeks, as evidence that his ability to dominate in best-of-five formats under such conditions hasn’t been fully proven. The conversation, Roddick emphasized, isn’t about whether Djokovic can beat top players like Zverev or Daniil Medvedev when sharp—it’s about whether he can replicate that level repeatedly under the physical and mental strain of a major tournament.