The tennis world is abuzz with speculation about the future of Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion whose unparalleled career has been a cornerstone of the sport for nearly two decades. Following a challenging 2025 season, where the 38-year-old Serbian reached the semifinals of all three Grand Slams but fell short of a title, former doubles world No. 1 Rennae Stubbs has made a bold prediction about when the tennis titan might hang up his racket. Speaking on her podcast, Stubbs suggested that Djokovic could bid farewell to his illustrious career at the 2026 Australian Open, a tournament where he has claimed a record 10 titles and experienced both triumph and turmoil. Her forecast has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts, as Djokovic continues to chase a historic 25th major to surpass Margaret Court’s all-time record.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a testament to his resilience, yet it underscored the challenges of competing against the new generation led by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Despite reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon, he was outplayed by Sinner in each, including a straight-sets defeat (6-3, 6-3, 6-4) at Wimbledon, where a groin injury sustained against Flavio Cobolli hampered his performance. “I would be sad, but hopefully it’s not my last match on the Centre Court,” Djokovic said after the loss, dispelling rumors of an immediate Wimbledon exit. “I’m planning to come back definitely at least one more time, play on the Centre Court for sure.” Yet, Stubbs believes the Australian Open, where Djokovic has dominated like no other, could serve as his “swan song.” “I think he has sort of hinted that the last Grand Slam will be the Australian Open,” she said, citing its significance as his most successful major.
The Australian Open holds a unique place in Djokovic’s legacy. His 10 titles, starting with his first major in 2008 and culminating in his 2023 triumph, mark him as the most successful male player in the tournament’s Open Era history. However, Melbourne has also been a stage for drama, notably his controversial deportation in 2022 over COVID-19 vaccine disputes. “I think it’s not a bad way for him to go out if he decides to,” Stubbs noted, reflecting on the “mercurial” nature of his experiences in Australia. “It has clearly been the best place for him to win a Grand Slam.” She suggested that the emotional weight of the tournament, coupled with its fast hard courts suiting his game, makes it a fitting finale for a player driven by the pursuit of a 25th major. “If he can get to 25, that is probably where he is going to do it,” she added.
Stubbs’ prediction is not without precedent. Earlier in 2025, she speculated that Djokovic might emulate Pete Sampras, who retired after winning the 2002 US Open. “He has nothing to prove,” Stubbs said on her podcast in April. “The only thing he talks about is winning one more Grand Slam to have 25 Grand Slams and have the ultimate record.” Djokovic’s emotional exit from Roland Garros, where he lingered to wave to fans and kissed the clay after losing to Sinner, fueled retirement talk. “That wasn’t a see you next year walk off court,” Stubbs observed, interpreting it as a potential farewell to Paris. Yet, Djokovic’s competitive fire remains evident. His 100th career title at the 2025 Geneva ATP 250 and his Olympic gold medal in Paris, where he bested Alcaraz in a thrilling final, prove he can still compete at the highest level. “I put my heart, soul, body, family, everything on the line to win Olympic gold at 37,” he said after the victory.
As Djokovic prepares for the 2025 US Open, where he has won four titles, and eyes a return to Wimbledon in 2026, Stubbs believes his focus is narrowing. “I thought his best chance was at Wimbledon, that has slipped away,” she said, pointing to the Australian Open as his final shot at glory. With Sinner and Alcaraz dominating, Djokovic faces an uphill battle, but his history of defying expectations—such as his tactical masterclass against Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros—suggests he won’t exit quietly. Whether Melbourne 2026 marks the end of his storied career or he pushes on, Djokovic’s legacy as one of tennis’s greatest is secure, and the tennis world awaits his next move with bated breath.
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