LONDON — At every major tennis tournament, Novak Djokovic encounters a recurring theme as he is repeatedly asked the same question: Is this his last appearance? This question resurfaced on Saturday at Wimbledon, but Djokovic’s answer remained consistent as always—it is uncertain.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion reflected on the notion of a “last dance,” a phrase reminiscent of a reporter’s query, saying, “I’m not sure—it could be my last at Roland Garros or any other Slam that I play next.” He balanced addressing speculation about retirement at age 38 with a realistic evaluation of his future in the sport.
“My goal is to continue playing for several more years. I am eager to maintain my physical health and keep up the mental drive to compete at the highest level,” Djokovic explained. “Yet nothing is guaranteed at this stage.”
Djokovic admitted that winning yet another Grand Slam title might be more attainable at Wimbledon, a venue where he could secure his 25th major win—a feat unprecedented in tennis history. “Wimbledon is potentially my best opportunity due to my past results and the way I play here,” he noted. “It gives me an extra push mentally to deliver my best tennis.”
With seven Wimbledon titles under his belt, Djokovic has narrowly missed adding more by reaching the finals in 2023 and 2024 but falling to Carlos Alcaraz each time. He has competed in the Wimbledon final for each of the last six tournaments held, triumphant in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Not since 2017 has he been defeated there, in the quarterfinals by Tomas Berdych.
Curiosity about Djokovic’s career longevity mirrors earlier speculations surrounding legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams as they neared retirement. Time has brought Djokovic into the spotlight for such questions.
Despite not adding a Grand Slam trophy for over a year and a half, after clinching three in 2023 including the U.S. Open, Djokovic remains in contention for future titles. He advanced to the Australian Open semifinals this past January, retiring due to a hamstring issue, and reached the French Open semis this month before losing to Jannik Sinner. Post-match, at Roland-Garros, he took moments to acknowledge what might have been his last stand there.
Djokovic’s capacity for accomplishment was also demonstrated less than a year ago when he secured a gold medal for Serbia by triumphing over Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics.
“These tournaments still motivate me immensely,” said Djokovic. “Physically, I’m feeling good. My practices have been promising. But everything is different when the tournament starts. My aim is to have a solid tournament and go as far as possible.” He hinted there might even be a return in 2026.