Novak Djokovic has acknowledged that he is in the final stages of his career and that his emotions in the coming weeks will play a crucial role in determining when he will retire. After achieving his ultimate goal of winning the Olympic gold medal in the Paris 2024 final against Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic is now considering what the future holds as he approaches the end of this year. Despite a lack of motivation and unexpected losses in the first half of the year, Djokovic has regained his form and fought bravely at the French Open.
Unfortunately, his run at Roland Garros was cut short due to a knee injury that required surgery on June 5. However, he has made an impressive recovery and managed to play at Wimbledon, where he was defeated by Alcaraz in the final. Djokovic then recovered and put in passionate performances to win the Olympic gold medal for Serbia and complete his collection of major tennis titles. Djokovic’s recent statements about having achieved all of his career goals have raised questions about how much longer he will continue to play at the highest level. Without more ATP Masters Series events to motivate him and the Olympic dream now realized, Djokovic faces uncertainty about his future goals. Despite being the male player with the most Grand Slam titles in tennis history and being the world No. 1 for an extended period of time, Djokovic is wondering what lies ahead for him in the future. Although he could potentially reach his eighth Wimbledon title next summer, equalling Roger Federer’s record, Djokovic believes that achievement would not define his legacy. After surpassing Rafael Nadal and Federer to become the greatest tennis player of all time and with his Olympic dream fulfilled, Djokovic admits to having doubts about what comes next. He stresses that his love for the sport goes beyond winning tournaments and that he plays because he enjoys competing, training and perfecting his game. Djokovic recognizes that tennis has given him so much in his life and he strives to give back to the sport through dedication and sacrifice. As he prepares to defend his title at the US Open, Djokovic will soon return to the hard courts.
However, he has decided not to take part in any preparatory tournaments and has withdrawn from the Masters in Toronto and Cincinnati. Although Djokovic has proven time and again that he cannot be underestimated in any tournament, Alcaraz and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner have shown that they are one step ahead of him in 2024. For the first time in many years, Djokovic might not be considered the favorite at the US Open. The outcome of the tournament will provide some answers as to whether Djokovic can still win a Grand Slam against the younger players hot on his heels. If Djokovic steps out on the court and does not feel the motivation and passion to continue striving for perfection, it will not be long before he accepts that the sport he loves and graduated from has given him everything he needs.
Photo by Novak Djokovic Instagram
