Key Takeaways
- John McEnroe stated that there is a “strong possibility” Novak Djokovic could retire next year as his storied career nears its end.
- McEnroe compared Djokovic’s situation to Pete Sampras stepping away at 31, noting that Djokovic should simply do “whatever makes him happy” as he chases a 25th major title.
- Although McEnroe believes the end is coming soon following an opening-round US Open loss, Djokovic has previously stated an ambition to play at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics at age 41.
John McEnroe reflects on the closing chapter of Novak Djokovic’s career
Speculation surrounding the future of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has gathered pace following recent setbacks, and tennis legend John McEnroe has offered his perspective on when the Serbian icon might decide to hang up his rackets.
Speaking on the latest edition of the Off Court with Greg Rusedski podcast, McEnroe explored the mental challenges facing Djokovic as he navigates the twilight of his record-breaking journey. McEnroe emphasized that Djokovic has earned the right to exit on his own terms: “I just don’t know what he is going to do, honestly,” McEnroe explained. “Whatever makes him happy is what he should do.”
Comparing Djokovic’s dilemma to Pete Sampras
To contextualize the dilemma confronting the 39-year-old, McEnroe referenced Pete Sampras, who walked away immediately after capturing the 2002 US Open title. While that departure appeared picture-perfect from the outside, McEnroe pointed out how history can complicate such decisions.
“Pete Sampras won the US Open and he never played again. You would say that is a great way to go out, unbelievable,” McEnroe observed. “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]. He can look back now and go why did I stop then? Maybe I could have won more. That’s what Novak is facing.”
High expectations and the reality of modern tennis
Djokovic has not lifted a major trophy since his triumph at the 2023 US Open. While he continues to reach deep into tournaments, including reaching the Australian Open final where he defeated Jannik Sinner and captured the opening set against Carlos Alcaraz, McEnroe noted that public perception turns quickly after early exits, such as his opening-round loss at the US Open.
“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,” McEnroe said.
However, McEnroe acknowledged the harsh realities facing any veteran athlete seeking a fairytale ending: “Time has gone by and now we’re like first round defeat, of course he should retire, because he lost first round. But name the last athlete that went out the way he wants to go out. It’s almost impossible.”
Looking ahead, McEnroe anticipates that a resolution will arrive sooner rather than later. “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,” he concluded.
Despite McEnroe pointing toward next year as a likely conclusion, Djokovic has repeatedly indicated a desire to keep competing at the highest level, having previously targeted an appearance at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where he would be 41 years old.
ATP Beijing - Novak Djokovic's projected path
Djokovic in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2026
At the moment ranked no.11, the Serbian has an overall 19-7 record in 2026. Novak is now playing in Beijing where he toppled 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 compete against the world no.9 Alex De Minaur in the final on Tuesday at 7:00 pm on Court 1. Their 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)
