Novak Djokovic’s future in professional tennis remains a topic of heated debate as the 2024 season comes to an end. While it’s virtually certain that the Serbian tennis icon will continue competing into 2025, questions linger about whether he can add to his record 24 Grand Slam titles. By the time he steps on court next year, Djokovic will be 38 years old, and the challenge posed by the two current leaders of the sport, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, has grown more pronounced in recent months.
Although Djokovic made headlines by defeating Alcaraz in the final of the Paris Olympics to claim the gold medal—a major accomplishment that filled a long-standing gap in his illustrious career—2024 was far from his best year. Despite this crowning Olympic moment, he suffered several surprising losses and, notably, failed to secure any tour-level titles throughout the season. His Grand Slam results were also not up to his usual standards; his only final appearance came at Wimbledon, where a favorable draw spared him from facing the most formidable competitors. His campaign was further complicated by a knee injury sustained during the French Open, which required surgery in the spring. Though Djokovic made a commendable recovery, he played the remainder of the season wearing a knee brace, a visual reminder of the challenges he faced.
Fans and insiders alike were surprised—and in some cases, disappointed—by Djokovic’s decision to skip both the Rolex Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP Finals. While the decision itself wasn’t entirely unexpected given his health and fatigue, the manner in which Djokovic communicated it caused a stir. Despite knowing in advance that he would miss these events, he announced his withdrawal only shortly before the draw ceremony, leaving many speculating about the reasons behind his absence.
Tennis analyst Benoit Maylin shared his perspective on Djokovic’s future during a recent episode of the ‘Sans Filet’ show. “Where is Djokovic? Because he qualified for the ATP Finals, so there’s talk. ‘The guy is burned out, no longer motivated. He won’t even win a Grand Slam anymore.’ Stop. We’re talking about Novak, and we tend to forget that in 2023, he was monstrous in winning three of the four Grand Slams plus the ATP Finals, which he hadn’t managed to do since 2015,” Maylin stated.
Maylin continued, emphasizing the significance of Djokovic’s recent achievements despite setbacks. “This year, despite a knee operation, he wanted gold around his neck at all costs—and he did it. This Olympic title, which he had been chasing since 2008, drained him emotionally. He needed to recharge his batteries.”
Djokovic’s decision to step back and recuperate is a calculated one, as Maylin highlighted. The Serbian legend, who will turn 38 in May, understands the finite nature of his time at the top of the sport. “He preferred to take a break to regenerate. And I bet you that he will be very dangerous again in 2025. Until he wins a 25th Grand Slam title? Yes. And why not a 26th? There are not many favorites left on clay, nor on grass—so you see where I’m going with this.”
While speculation about his physical state continues, Djokovic has remained active in the public eye. Following a vacation in the Maldives with his family, he appeared at the Belgrade ATP 250 event, where he presented the tournament trophy. Djokovic is also set to travel to Malaga for the Davis Cup Finals, where he will honor his longtime rival Rafael Nadal. This public engagement serves as a reminder of Djokovic’s enduring commitment to the sport and his deep respect for its traditions and rivalries.
Looking back, Djokovic’s career has been marked by exceptional highs and challenges. His former coach, Marian Vajda, recently reflected on their partnership, which began in 2006 and produced some of the greatest moments in tennis history. “When we started working, I thought it couldn’t get any better. He is the best player who could have deserved it, and it was just amazing,” Vajda said in an interview with ‘Radio Television of Serbia.’ Vajda recounted how Djokovic’s drive and determination to become the world’s top player and win countless titles were evident from the start. “As a coach, I saw how he was progressing, how he was training better, how he was developing, but for him the goal was to be tennis number one and win all those tournaments, Grand Slam titles. It’s been an incredible journey.”
Their collaboration ended after the 2021 season, in part due to Djokovic’s controversial decision to prioritize participation in the Tokyo Olympics over the potential completion of a Calendar Grand Slam. While their paths diverged, Vajda’s admiration for Djokovic’s career remains unchanged. “When I look back on it now and see all those numbers, it really is an incredible achievement. I could never have imagined that he would win so many titles and tournaments and be the best in the history of tennis,” he added.
As Djokovic prepares for what may be the twilight of his playing career, one thing is certain: his impact on tennis is unparalleled, and the next chapter in his journey promises to be as compelling as the last. Whether or not he captures a 25th or even a 26th Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic’s legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats is secure. The tennis world eagerly awaits to see how his story continues to unfold.