Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has suggested that Novak Djokovic, following a challenging season, may want to consider retirement. Djokovic, who has struggled with injuries and form, is yet to win an ATP title this year. Despite this, he secured his first Olympic gold in a memorable final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Navratilova believes Djokovic has achieved most of his goals but is still chasing one more: surpassing Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. “He got what he really wanted, which was the Olympic gold medal, but he still wants the 25th Grand Slam to get one more than Margaret Court,” Navratilova said. However, she questioned how much longer the Serbian star can keep going. “Time will catch up with him, or maybe it has already, because in the last match he was not himself.”
The tennis icon also acknowledged that Djokovic’s retirement decision should be personal and based on his passion for the game. “It all depends on how much the fire is still burning,” Navratilova stated, indicating that while his legacy remains untarnished, the desire to compete may drive him to continue. “I am sure his wife says: Is it time to retire, how many more do you need?” she added.
While Djokovic’s 2024 season has been marred by injuries, including meniscus surgery and physical struggles, the Olympic gold remains a key accomplishment. Yet, Navratilova pondered whether Djokovic could stop playing after one more major win. “If he enjoys playing, then why not?” she reflected, highlighting that his career is already cemented as one of the greatest.
For now, the tennis world waits to see whether Djokovic can recover and push for another Grand Slam or if Navratilova’s call for retirement will resonate.
Novak Djokovic in 2024
LWWWWWWLWW Now ranked no.4, Djokovic played his last match on the 30th of August when he capitulated to world no.24 Alexei Popyrin 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 in the 3rd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
This season Novak has managed to achieve a compiled 31-8 match record. Djokovic clinched 1 title in Paris. The Serbian was the runner-up in Wimbledon.
He is also scheduled to play in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters) on the 2nd of October and Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) on the 28th of October.
Novak Djokovic |
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