Key Takeaways
- Sam Querrey shared his view on the Nothing Major Podcast, stating: “I think at some point next year, in 2027, we will watch Novak play his last tournament.”
- Querrey made clear his prediction is based purely on instinct: “That’s just a hunch, I have no info, that’s where I land on that, that’s my feeling.”
- Steve Johnson noted Novak Djokovic’s ambition to reach the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, stating: “I get that, he’s talked about wanting to play the 2028 Olympics so that’s me.”
Sam Querrey weighs in on Novak Djokovic’s tennis future
Novak Djokovic’s tennis timeline has come under renewed scrutiny following an early exit at the US Open, where the 24-time Grand Slam champion fell in the first round to Mariano Navone. The defeat marked his earliest exit at a Major since 2006 and ensured the 39-year-old Serbian will slip outside the world’s top 10 for the first time in eight years.
Speaking on the latest edition of the Nothing Major Podcast, former Wimbledon semi-finalist Sam Querrey shared his view on when the veteran might finally bring down the curtain on his illustrious playing days. Querrey believes an exit from the sport is on the horizon within the next couple of years.
“I think at some point next year, in 2027, we will watch Novak play his last tournament,” Querrey predicted. Explaining his reasoning, the American added: “That’s just a hunch, I have no info, that’s where I land on that, that’s my feeling.”
Debating the road to the 2028 Olympic Games
Querrey’s co-host and former world top-30 player Steve Johnson offered another perspective, noting that Djokovic has previously voiced his desire to remain active long enough to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Acknowledging that ambition, Johnson remarked: “I get that, he’s talked about wanting to play the 2028 Olympics so that’s me.”
Following his loss in New York, Djokovic confirmed that he still plans to contest all four Grand Slam tournaments next season. Nevertheless, speculation regarding the latter stages of his career continues to build.
Upcoming return to action in China
Djokovic’s immediate schedule includes a return to competition at the China Open in Beijing, which starts on September 30. The ATP 500 event also features world number one Jannik Sinner, who missed the US Open because of a right knee injury.
The Serbian holds an undefeated track record in Beijing, not dropping a single match across six previous tournament appearances. Djokovic has not played the event since 2015, having captured three more titles there than any other competitor in ATP history. He may also extend his trip to Asia by featuring at the Shanghai Masters.
Novak Djokovic in 2026
Now ranked no.5, Novak played his last match on the 30th of August when he lost to world no.49 Mariano Navone 7-6(5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 in the 1st round of the U.S. Open (draw).
Until now, during this year the Serbian has an overall 14-7 win-loss record. Novak Djokovic’s most significant result of the present year was getting to the semifinal at the Australian Open.
