Following Novak Djokovic’s recent semi-final loss at Wimbledon 2025, tennis legend John McEnroe has cast doubt on the Serbian’s future in the sport. McEnroe’s comments come after Djokovic’s defeat to Jannik Sinner, where the former champion appeared to struggle.
McEnroe’s Concerns About Djokovic’s Future
McEnroe, analyzing the match for the BBC, expressed worry about Djokovic’s performance, stating, “Djokovic will have to think a lot in the next month”. He further added, “It’s the first time I’ve observed him and I doubt that he might not return to play Wimbledon. I’m not sure he’ll be there next year”. McEnroe also noted that Djokovic, who has been at the top of the game for so long, may struggle to accept being “one or two categories below these two young champions” like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
“Father Time is Undefeated”
McEnroe acknowledged Djokovic’s determination but also pointed out the inevitable effects of aging. In an interview with TNT Sports, he said, “Father Time is undefeated”. He lauded Djokovic for his achievements, saying, “Honestly, it’s been amazing he’s got this far. Crazy. Phenomenal. Beyond belief”.
McEnroe’s “Quit on the Spot” Prediction
While McEnroe has not explicitly stated that Djokovic should “quit on the spot,” his comments suggest a concern that Djokovic may struggle to maintain his motivation and level of play in the face of younger, dominant players and potential injuries. McEnroe believes that Djokovic will only seriously consider retirement when he can no longer win major titles or when he finally surpasses Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. “That’s when he’s going to stop playing: the moment he thinks he can’t win one, I’m assuming,” McEnroe said.
Djokovic’s Wimbledon Loss
Djokovic’s semi-final loss to Sinner at Wimbledon ended his streak of consecutive finals in London, which had lasted since 2018. The 38-year-old Djokovic admitted that competing with rivals like Sinner and Alcaraz is tough at this stage of his career, as his body doesn’t respond as it once did, and injuries have increased. Sinner dominated the match, winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic’s Reaction
Despite the loss, Djokovic has stated he has no plans to retire. After his second-round win at Wimbledon, Djokovic reassured the crowd that he would return to Wimbledon as a player. He acknowledged the challenges of competing against younger players but expressed his determination to continue.
McEnroe’s Respect for Djokovic
Despite his concerns, McEnroe has consistently defended Djokovic and called for greater respect for his achievements. McEnroe has described Djokovic as “the greatest that’s ever played” and has praised his accomplishments, which have surpassed those of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. McEnroe has also acknowledged the “unfair treatment” Djokovic sometimes receives compared to Federer and Nadal, who are often more popular with crowds.
Looking Ahead
While McEnroe’s recent comments suggest some uncertainty about Djokovic’s future, he has also stated that you “never want to count him out”. McEnroe believes that Djokovic still has the potential to win more Grand Slam titles, particularly at Wimbledon, where he feels Djokovic’s experience and understanding of the nuances of the game give him an edge. Only time will tell if Djokovic can overcome the challenges he faces and continue his remarkable career.
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