Novak Djokovic, a name synonymous with tennis excellence, has recently faced questions about his future in the sport. At 37 years old, with a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles and 99 career crowns, the Serbian superstar has achieved almost everything imaginable in the world of tennis. However, recent performances have led to speculation about his motivation and potential retirement plans. Could a historic feat, such as reaching 100 singles titles or surpassing Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 major singles titles, be enough to keep the legendary player on the court?
The Drive to Continue: What Keeps Djokovic Going?
Despite his unparalleled success, Djokovic has repeatedly stated that he has no immediate plans to retire. In January 2025, he emphasized that his decision to retire would hinge on his ability to remain competitive against the best players in the world at the biggest events. “If I still feel like I can beat the best players in the world in Grand Slams, why would I want to stop now?” he questioned.
Djokovic has acknowledged that travelling and maintaining motivation are becoming increasingly difficult, especially with a family. However, his passion for the game and the desire to continue breaking records appear to be strong motivators. “Tennis is still my biggest platform for sharing the messages that I care about, whether it’s related to tennis, society or business,” he explained. “I still feel that I enjoy the process and it brings me all these benefits, so why not?”
The Quest for 100 Titles and Beyond
Djokovic is currently sitting at 99 career titles, a milestone that many believed he would have already surpassed. Reaching 100 titles would place him in an elite group of players and further solidify his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.
Beyond the century mark, Djokovic has the opportunity to break Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Securing a 25th major would give him the undisputed lead and put an end to any debate about who is the greatest singles player in tennis history.
Recent Struggles and Setbacks
While Djokovic remains determined to compete at the highest level, his recent performances have been below his usual standards. At the Monte-Carlo Masters, he suffered a shocking defeat to Alejandro Tabilo, admitting that his performance was “horrible”. “I expected myself at least to have put in a decent performance. Not like this,” Djokovic said. “It was a horrible feeling to play this way, and just sorry for all the people that have to witness this”. He committed 29 unforced errors during the match, showing frustration with his level of play.
He also withdrew from the Rome 1000 tournament. Furthermore, he sustained a muscle tear in his left leg during the Australian Open earlier this year. These setbacks have raised concerns about his physical condition and ability to maintain his dominance.
The Influence of Rivals and the Next Generation
The retirements of long-time rivals such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray have created a shift in the tennis landscape. While these departures might have prompted some players to consider retirement, Djokovic seems motivated to continue competing and proving himself against the next generation of stars.
Players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged as serious contenders, challenging Djokovic’s dominance and pushing him to raise his game. Djokovic’s ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will likely play a significant role in his decision to continue playing.
The “How” Over the “When”: Djokovic’s Perspective on Retirement
Djokovic has stated that he is more focused on how he wants to end his career rather than when. He wants to leave the sport on his own terms, feeling that he can still compete at the highest level.
“I am thinking about how I want to end it and when I want to end it,” he said. “I think more about the ‘how’ than the ‘when'”. For Djokovic, the manner of his departure is as important as the timing.
Could a Connors-esque Comeback Be on the Horizon?
Despite the recent struggles, some believe that Djokovic is capable of a remarkable comeback. Tennis.com suggested that he deserves a “Jimmy Connors moment,” referencing Connors’ improbable run to the semifinals of the 1991 US Open at the age of 39.
Like Connors, Djokovic has the experience, skill, and mental fortitude to defy expectations and achieve greatness, even as he gets older. A strong showing at a major tournament could reignite his passion and convince him to continue his pursuit of records.
The Road Ahead: Madrid, the French Open, and Beyond
Djokovic is scheduled to compete at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid, where Andy Murray is expected to join his coaching team. This could provide a boost to his confidence and help him regain his form.
The French Open is another important event on the horizon, and Djokovic will be aiming to defend his title and secure his 25th Grand Slam. A successful run at Roland Garros could be a major factor in his decision to continue playing.
Ultimately, the decision to “stick around” will depend on Djokovic’s physical and mental state, as well as his ability to compete against the best players in the world. Whether he achieves the milestones of 100 titles or 25 Grand Slams, his love for the game and desire to compete will likely be the driving forces behind his choice.
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