Key Takeaways
- John McEnroe stated on the Off Court with Greg Rusedski podcast that “whatever makes him happy is what he should do” when asked about Novak Djokovic’s future.
- McEnroe noted there is a “strong possibility” the Serbian champion could step away from the sport next year.
- Despite speculation following a first-round exit at the US Open, Djokovic has previously expressed an ambition to play at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles at age 41.
John McEnroe assesses Novak Djokovic’s career timeline
Former world number 1 John McEnroe has offered his perspective on the future of Novak Djokovic, addressing when the 24-time Grand Slam champion might choose to conclude his record-setting tennis journey. Speaking on the latest edition of the Off Court with Greg Rusedski podcast, McEnroe explored the mindset of the Serbian legend as he manages the final chapters of his career.
Djokovic has remained on 24 major crowns since claiming the 2023 US Open title. While questions about his longevity have intensified following a first-round exit at Flushing Meadows, McEnroe stressed that personal fulfillment should guide any impending decision.
“I just don’t know what he is going to do, honestly,” McEnroe said during the podcast appearance. “Whatever makes him happy is what he should do. Pete Sampras won the US Open and he never played again. You would say that is a great way to go out, unbelievable. But it turns out he was only 31. He did not think that three guys would go past him for Grand Slam titles in Novak, Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal].”
The chase for Grand Slam number 25
McEnroe highlighted how past champions grapple with the timing of their departure, contrasting the desire to leave on a high note with the lingering feeling of missed opportunities.
“He can look back now and go why did I stop then? Maybe I could have won more,” McEnroe observed regarding Sampras, before connecting that dilemma to Djokovic’s present position. “That’s what Novak is facing. He got to the finals of Australia and he’s thinking maybe I could win one, I want 25. You could hardly blame him, if he gets to the finals and beats Sinner and wins the first set against Carlos Alcaraz. The guy is incredible.”
Assessing the reality facing elite competitors approaching their 40s, McEnroe questioned the public’s swift reactions to unexpected defeats while acknowledging the physical and mental hurdles of modern tennis.
“Time has gone by and now we’re like first round defeat, of course he should retire, because he lost first round,” McEnroe explained. “But name the last athlete that went out the way he wants to go out. It’s almost impossible. It seems like it’s going to be soon. Is it going to be next year? You would think that is a strong possibility. But we will have to wait and see.”
Djokovic’s long-term targets remain in sight
While McEnroe identified next season as a plausible window for retirement, Djokovic has previously set his sights further down the road. The 39-year-old has routinely voiced an ambition to compete at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028, a milestone that would require him to remain on the professional circuit until the age of 41.
ATP Beijing - Novak Djokovic's projected path
Djokovic in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently ranked no.11, Novak achieved a composed 19-7 win-loss record in 2026. Novak is now playing in Beijing where he managed to beat the world no.51 Nuno Borges 6-3 7-6(2), the world no.93 Bu Yunchaokete 4-6 7-6(2) 6-2, the world no.2 Alexander Zverev 4-6 6-4 6-4 and the world no.5 Daniil Medvedev 7-5 5-3 def..
Novak Djokovic will face the world no.9 Alex De Minaur in the final on Tuesday at 7:00 pm on Court 1. Their actual head to head record is 3-1 for Djokovic.
Novak won 101 titles in his career: 52 on hard courts, 21 on clay courts, 20 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
