Novak Djokovic reveals preferred retirement date, but doubts it will happen

Monday, 10 November 2025 at 15:25

byJordan Reynolds

Novak Djokovic knows where he would like to end his legendary career. However, the former ATP world No. 1 does not know if it will happen.

Djokovic finished his season with a flourish by winning the 2025 Athens Open. He and his family own the license for the tournament held in Belgrade last year, which was later moved after Djokovic relocated to Athens.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion qualified for the 2025 ATP Finals, but chose not to compete at the event he has won seven times. In a statement, Djokovic said he had hoped to play until deciding it was not possible after the lengthy battle with Musetti and recent injury issues.

Despite still playing great tennis, the 38-year-old consistently receives questions about retirement. Djokovic spoke about when he would like to retire during his post-tournament press conference in Athens.

"I’ve always had this throughout my life and my career, I’ve always had a schedule in my head for a year or more, what I want, how I want it. Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I said about the 2028 Olympics because I wanted to play for so many more years. So maybe ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag, that would be nice."

Djokovic has endured more consistent physical struggles in 2025 compared to any other year. It started with him retiring in his Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev with an injury.

This year's 2025 Geneva Open winner also reached the semifinals of the other Grand Slams, but was not in peak physical condition in any of them, losing all three. His body is not holding up like it used to.

That reality means Djokovic cannot be sure about whether playing in the 2028 Olympics is possible. The best-of-three set format provides some hope, but the Serbian admits he does not know if he will last that long.

"I don’t know, I mean, I really don’t know, because there are some things that are not entirely in my control. I’m trying to be as healthy as possible mentally and physically."

Novak Djokovic could surpass another Roger Federer number in 2026

Novak Djokovic's triumph against Lorenzo Musetti in the 2025 Athens Open was his 101st career title. He remains at No. 3 on the all-time ATP singles list behind former great rival Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors at No. 1 with 109 titles.

Federer is No. 2 on the list with 103 titles. The Swiss maestro has seen Djokovic accumulate the most weeks at No. 1 and win the most Grand Slams in tennis history by a male player, records he once held.

Djokovic must win three more titles to reach No. 2 on the list and surpass Federer. Until recently, the ten-time Australian Open winner had largely ignored smaller tournaments and focused on the Grand Slams.

However, Djokovic's physical struggles this year at 38 led him to speak openly about how difficult it is for him to beat Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner over five sets, which might make him target more winnable tournaments next year.