Novak Djokovic, the tennis legend, has left reporters and fans stunned after making unexpected comments about his future in tennis. Following his semi-final loss at the French Open against Jannik Sinner, Djokovic hinted at the possibility of retirement, casting doubt on his return to Roland Garros. This comes after similar comments made after the Madrid Open.
“This Could Have Been The Last Match”
After his defeat to Sinner in the French Open semi-final on June 6, 2025, Djokovic was asked about his future participation in the tournament. His response was far from reassuring for his fans. “This could have been the last match ever I played here, so I don’t know,” Djokovic stated, adding, “That’s why I was a bit more emotional even in the end. If this was the farewell match of the Roland-Garros for me and my career, it was a wonderful one in terms of the atmosphere and what I got from the crowd.”
Djokovic expressed “gratitude” for the support he received at Roland Garros, noting that he had never experienced such an outpouring of support in that stadium before. “I don’t think I have ever received this much support in this stadium in my career in big matches against the best players in the world,” he said. However, he admitted that the loss made it difficult to fully appreciate the moment. “Not the happiest because of the loss, but I tried to show my gratitude to the crowd, because they were terrific in the moments when it seemed like it was going all of his way,” Djokovic added.
Wimbledon and US Open Still on the Horizon
Despite the retirement hints, Djokovic clarified that he intends to compete at Wimbledon and the US Open this season. “Wimbledon and US Open, yes, they are in my plans. That’s all I can say right now. But I feel like I want to play Wimbledon, I want to play US Open. Those two, for sure,” he affirmed. He also added, “I am going to keep on keeping on, I guess,” emphasizing his immediate focus on preparing for Wimbledon.
However, he remained uncertain about his long-term future, particularly regarding the 2026 season. “I don’t know really what tomorrow brings in a way at this point in my career. … Twelve months at this point in my career is quite a long time. Do I wish to play more? Yes, I do. But will I be able to play in 12 months’ time here again? I don’t know.”
Confessions from Madrid
Djokovic’s recent comments echo similar sentiments he expressed after a defeat at the Madrid Open. When questioned about whether he would return to Madrid in 2026, Djokovic responded, “It could be. It could be. I’m not sure if I will come back,” adding, “I don’t know, I don’t know what to say. I mean, I’ll come back, maybe not as a player, of course. I hope it’s not, but it could be.”
He confessed that his body might no longer be able to support his ambitions for further glory. “Trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament – it’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis,” Djokovic explained. “It’s a challenge for me mentally to really face these kinds of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in tournaments.”
Djokovic acknowledged the changes he’s experiencing in his game and physical condition. “I’m always trying to be optimistic, and I know what I’m capable of. But again, things are different, obviously, with my strokes, with my body, with my movement, it’s the reality that I have to accept,” he stated.
A Curveball in February
Interestingly, just a few months earlier, in February 2025, Djokovic seemed to have a different perspective on retirement. At the Qatar Open, he admitted to still feeling “stressed and nervous” before matches, which he saw as a positive sign. “So, it’s a good sign, because after all of these years of competing on the tour and everything I achieved, I still feel that, I still feel the jitters,” he said.
At that time, Djokovic suggested he should remain active for as long as possible, believing his presence on the professional tennis circuit positively impacts the sport. “I feel and I hope that my active career that keeps going is also positively affecting the overall tennis ecosystem,” he stated, hoping to inspire younger generations to participate in tennis.
Djokovic also mentioned his pursuit of his 100th professional title as a motivating factor.
Reactions and Reflections
Djokovic’s recent remarks have triggered various reactions within the tennis community. While some fans express sadness at the prospect of his retirement, others acknowledge the natural progression of an athlete’s career.
Jannik Sinner, after his victory over Djokovic at the French Open, praised Djokovic as a role model. “I saw him practicing yesterday, you know, or couple of days ago. He’s very precise in everything he does. It’s a true role model for all of us,” Sinner said. Addressing Djokovic’s retirement hints, Sinner added, “But if that’s the case, I’m happy to be part of this, because it’s a part of history also. But let’s hope that’s not the case, no? He said ‘maybe’ so you never know.”
A Legendary Career
Novak Djokovic has had an illustrious career, marked by numerous records and achievements. As of June 2025, he has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, a record he shares with Margaret Court. His accomplishments include holding the world No. 1 ranking for a record 373 weeks and finishing as the year-end No. 1 a record seven times.
Djokovic is the only man in the Open Era to achieve a Career Grand Slam twice and a Career Golden Masters. His dominance on hard courts is unparalleled, with a record 10 Australian Open titles.
Throughout his career, Djokovic has faced intense rivalries with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, contributing to some of the most memorable matches in tennis history. These rivalries have not only defined an era but have also elevated the sport’s popularity worldwide.
What Lies Ahead?
As Novak Djokovic approaches his late 30s, the question of when he will retire becomes increasingly relevant. His recent comments suggest that the end of his professional tennis career may be closer than many anticipated. While he remains committed to competing at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025, his long-term plans are uncertain.
Whether Djokovic decides to retire in the near future or continues to compete for several more years, his impact on tennis is undeniable. His achievements, rivalries, and overall contributions to the sport have cemented his place as one of the greatest players of all time. Tennis fans worldwide will undoubtedly follow his journey closely, appreciating every moment he spends on the court.
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