MELBOURNE, Australia — It might be easy for some to regard Novak Djokovic as nearing the end of his competitive journey, especially after his recent exit from the Australian Open semifinals due to a leg injury. Many are speculating that he could be closer to retiring, joining the ranks of his former rivals Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray, who have already stepped away from professional tennis.
These thoughts emerge following Djokovic’s abrupt departure from the prestigious tournament, where he was booed off the court after conceding the match to Alexander Zverev right after dropping the first set. This marked a disappointing halt in his attempt to claim an 11th title at Melbourne Park and a historic 25th Grand Slam overall. This recent withdrawal was the second time Djokovic has had to pull out of a major in the later rounds; the previous incident occurred at last year’s French Open when he injured his knee, leading to surgery.
As Djokovic approaches his 38th birthday before the upcoming major at Roland Garros in late May, he finds himself in a position similar to that of Nadal, who ended his career at the same age. Andy Murray, who is just slightly older than Djokovic, ceased competing last August, while Federer played his last Grand Slam match at 39 but only officially announced his retirement the following year.
Djokovic has acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries in recent years, expressing uncertainty about their cause but demonstrating a willingness to keep competing. “How much of a worry is it? I don’t know. It’s not like I’m worrying,” he stated, yet he also recognized that injuries have been frequent. “Maybe several different factors,” he added, reflecting on the unpredictability of his physical condition.
Yet, Djokovic’s next statement may reassure his supporters and instill caution in his adversaries: “I’ll keep going. I’ll keep striving to win more Slams,” he affirmed. “As long as I feel that I want to put up with all of this, I’ll be around.” His perseverance and competitive spirit remain intact despite the challenges he faces.
In his previous match against 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, a rising star with four major titles, Djokovic managed to secure a victory even after sustaining an injury late in the first set. Just over a month after undergoing knee surgery last season, he reached the final at Wimbledon, ultimately losing to Alcaraz, only to rebound and win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics three weeks later against the same opponent.
As for his current injury, Djokovic did not provide a specific timeline for his recovery and was cautious when asked about his potential return to the Australian Open in the future. He remarked, “There is a chance. Who knows? I’ll just have to see how the season goes. If I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come.”
Despite the speculation surrounding his career’s longevity, many are still inclined to regard Djokovic as a formidable force in the sport. Commentary suggesting he is overrated and past his prime have sparked controversy, as those familiar with his journey would find such views unfounded.
Zverev, who is set to chase his first Grand Slam title in the finals against defending champion Jannik Sinner, commented on Djokovic’s unprecedented accomplishments. “He’s won this tournament with an abdominal tear, where most players can’t even continue playing. He’s a 10-time champion. We should all just respect that,” Zverev noted, emphasizing Djokovic’s contributions and resilience in tennis history.
As Djokovic continues navigating his path, the tennis world remains curious about his next steps and whether he can overcome the challenges he faces on the court. The narrative surrounding his career is far from concluded, and many fans around the globe will be keenly watching his journey unfold.
