Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis titan who has etched his name into the annals of sporting greatness, stands at a crossroads in his illustrious career. With 24 Grand Slam titles already gleaming in his trophy case—a record for men’s tennis—and 99 career singles titles under his belt, the 37-year-old is tantalizingly close to two monumental milestones: a 25th Slam and a century of tournament victories. As the 2025 season unfolds, the question on every fan’s lips is whether achieving these feats at the same event might signal the perfect crescendo to his storied journey. In a recent candid revelation, Djokovic has peeled back the curtain on his mindset, offering a glimpse into whether he’d consider stepping away from the game if he summits these twin peaks together.
The prospect of Djokovic hitting both landmarks in one triumphant swoop is the stuff of tennis dreams. Imagine the scene: the roar of the crowd, the glint of a Grand Slam trophy, and the satisfaction of a 100th title—all converging in a single, electrifying moment. It’s a scenario that would cement his legacy as arguably the greatest player to ever wield a racket. Yet, when pressed on whether this fairy-tale finish would prompt him to “go out on a high,” Djokovic’s response was as measured as it was intriguing. “I don’t think so,” he said with a hint of a smile, his words carrying the weight of a man who still hungers for more. “I still feel I have something left in the tank. I wouldn’t just say, ‘OK, I’ve done it all, I’m out.’ I’d want to keep going, to see how far I can push it.”
Djokovic’s career has been a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. From his first Grand Slam triumph at the 2008 Australian Open to his latest conquests in 2023—sweeping the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open—he’s defied Father Time with a blend of physical prowess and mental steel. His 2024 season added another layer to his legend, as he clinched Olympic gold in Paris, completing the coveted Golden Slam. Now, with the 2025 Australian Open on the horizon, where he’s already a 10-time champion, the possibility of pairing that elusive 25th Slam with his 100th title feels tantalizingly within reach. “Of course, I’d love to win,” he admitted, his competitive fire undimmed. “If you tell me I’ll win my 100th title in any of the Slams this year, I’ll sign right away. But it’s a big mountain to climb, so, be a bit more humble about it, and hope for the best.”
The Serbian’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. A three-month doping suspension in 2024, sparked by a positive test for clostebol but attributed to accidental contamination, sidelined him during key clay-court events. His return has been nothing short of ferocious, with a semifinal run at the Australian Open and a coaching partnership with longtime rival Andy Murray adding fresh intrigue. Yet, the clay of Roland Garros, where he’s won three times but faces stiff competition from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, looms as a potential proving ground. Could Paris, the city of his Olympic triumph, host this historic double?
Djokovic’s peers aren’t making it easy. Alcaraz, the 2024 Roland Garros champ, has emerged as a formidable foil, holding a 6-4 edge in their rivalry. Jannik Sinner, the current World No. 1, stunned Djokovic in Melbourne this year, snapping his unbeaten streak in Australian Open semifinals. Then there’s Alexander Zverev, a clay-court threat who pushed Djokovic to the brink in past encounters. “The field is stacked,” one observer noted, echoing the sentiment that the road to 25 and 100 is paved with peril. Yet, Djokovic thrives in adversity. “I’ve been visualizing it,” he confessed, hinting at the mental preparation that’s fueled his longevity. “You take nothing but the win—that’s the mentality.”
Beyond the numbers, there’s a deeper narrative at play. Djokovic’s pursuit isn’t just about records; it’s about legacy, about proving he can still dominate a sport increasingly tilted toward youth. His 428 weeks as World No. 1—a record—and his triple Career Grand Slam across all four majors underscore a career of unparalleled breadth. But he’s not ready to rest on those laurels. “I’m not close to contemplating retirement,” he insisted, brushing aside notions that 25 and 100 might be his swan song. Instead, he sees them as stepping stones, markers on a path that could stretch further still.
As the tennis world watches, Djokovic’s next move carries the weight of history. Will Melbourne, Paris, Wimbledon, or New York be the stage for this dual triumph? And if it happens, will it truly be the end? For now, the man himself remains defiant, his racket poised for more battles, his spirit unbowed. “I want to see how far I can push it,” he reiterated, leaving fans to wonder just how high this tennis colossus can climb before he finally calls it a day.