Novak Djokovic is a physical marvel, and has won almost everything there is to win in tennis.
As such, he holds many of the game’s most impressive records, and shows no signs of relinquishing them anytime soon.
However, there is one notable absentee from his trophy cabinet that he will want to add before retiring.
The latter notion is something which has been explored in recent weeks, ever since Novak Djokovic’s injury threw his Wimbledon attendance into doubt.
Novak Djokovic drops retirement hint ahead of Wimbledon
The longevity of this titanic tennis superstar is one of the reasons why he is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, as not only does he boast a superior technical skillset, but his physicality is simply unmatchable.
However, there is a quiet expectation that eventually his career must end, although given his penchant for defying the odds, predicting that is a tough task.
BBC Sport sought to coax out some sort of answer on this topic, but he was adamant in his retort: ‘Of course. That’s why I am here. I don’t plan to retire and have my last Wimbledon this year. I want to keep going. This year has been different from all the other years, the injury at Roland Garros happened in a very awkward moment on the court.
‘It’s unfortunate but part of the sport. It’s the first time I have had a major injury with the knee, so I am trying to deal with it the best I can on a daily basis.’
Novak Djokovic has nearly completed tennis
Whilst Rafael Nadal is missing a couple of Masters 1000 titles in Paris and Miami as well as an ATP Tour finals, and Roger Federer is also without Rome, Monte-Carlo and the Olympics, Djokovic boasts the most well-rounded trophy cabinet.
However, there is one outstanding title which he lacks, and he will likely have his final chance to acquire it this summer.
And whilst his inability to win Queen’s despite having reached the final twice will cause him some frustration, the lack of Olympic success naturally stands out above all else.
Fortunately, 2024 marks a chance for him to finally end that hoodoo in Paris at an arena where he has won Roland Garros three times before, although he will face stiff competition from all around the world.
Given how infrequent this competition comes around, and given how the best of the best tend to enter from every corner of the globe, it has proven one of the toughest for even the best to crack.
Federer is one notable name who failed to do so, and having completed nearly everything else in tennis, Djokovic will want to make sure he does not go without. After all, for all his physical excellence, he will be 41 at the next Olympics. Surely that would be a step too far, even for Djokovic.
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