Novak Djokovic hints when he will retire from tennis as he admits he’s thinking about the end now

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Novak Djokovic is currently gearing up for his 20th Australian Open, as he bids for a record 11th title in Melbourne.

Djokovic began his 2025 season at the Brisbane International, playing both singles and doubles with Nick Kyrgios.

It was in this tournament where Djokovic suffered a quarter-final defeat to Reilly Opelka, losing in straight sets.

The pair could meet again soon, as Djokovic and Opelka could play each other at the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic hints at retirement if he cannot compete with ‘big obstacles’

With both Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray retiring last year, Djokovic is the only remaining member of ‘the big four’ left with Roger Federer saying goodbye to professional tennis back in 2022.

At 37-years-old, Djokovic is being more frequently asked about what his future holds in the sport, having already won 24 Grand Slam titles and most recently an Olympic gold medal.

When speaking to GQ, the Serbian suggested that he is not thinking about retirement just yet, but could do if his form begins to take a downhill trajectory.

“I am thinking about how I want to end it and when do I want to end it,” said Djokovic. “No, I’m going to take that back. I do think about more how than when. When I’m not thinking about it as of yet so intensely. 

“How—How I would like to end it? I feel if I start to lose more and feel like there is a bigger gap, that I start to have more challenges in overcoming those big obstacles in big Slams, then I’ll probably call it a day. But right now I’m still okay, keep continuing.”

What was Novak Djokovic’s win-loss record in 2024?

Djokovic went without a Grand Slam title for the first time in seven years in 2024, playing only 46 matches all season.

This included Djokovic missing the ATP Finals and bringing an end to his season after the Shanghai Masters in October.

Putting this in comparison to Djokovic’s best season back in 2011, where he won 92% of his matches of 76 matches.

Djokovic will be coached by the aforementioned Murray at the Australian Open, as he bids for a historic 25th Grand Slam title.