Novak Djokovic may have offered a clue into his retirement plans after bowing out of Australian Open.
The retirement question is certainly that none in any sport can avoid beyond a certain period however, it may be too early to speculate about the 24-time Grand Slam calling a day after winning three out of four Grand Slam titles last year.
Djokovic, a 10-time AO Champion, has dominated the men’s tour with staggering numbers throughout his career but now it seems the legendary Serbian has found a player who has his number in form of Jannik Sinner.
The World No. 4 defeated Djokovic in three of their last for clashes as he recorded victories against him in Davis Cup and ATP year-end Finals in December last year before trumping him at the 2024 Australian Open semifinals.
In his post-match conference at the Melbourne Park, Djokovic provided a glimpse into his mindset which showed the signs of mental and emotional scars the World No. 1 has not been used to receiving for the last 5 years at least.
“I just hope that I’ll get a chance to come back to play at least another time and go through the emotions once more,” the World No. 1 said.
Djokovic clarified comments that appeared to reveal what was no meant, he added: “This is not the feeling that I’m used to. I mean, it kind of has been incredibly satisfying for me to start off most of my seasons with a Grand Slam win and never lost in semis or finals of Australian Open.
“So this time it’s a bit different, but it is what it is. Let’s see. I don’t know. This tournament hasn’t been, as I said, up to my standard or criteria or the level that I would normally play or expect myself to play, but doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s beginning of the end, you know, as some people like to call it.”
To a plenty of tennis fiends and Djokovic fans, those remarks made by the 36-year-old seemed to be telling and raised a lot of eyebrows. Up till now, Djokovic has always suggested he would stretch his career to as long as he has the ability to win, but maybe now he appreciates the fact that age is just catching up and his energy reserves are finally depleting.
7-times GS Champion, Mats Wilander also weighed in on Djokovic’s comments as he believes the comments should be put into context before any speculation.
“He is obviously older and he has been lucky so far not to have too many injuries,” Wilander told Eurosport.
“I think sometimes you come out there and you don’t play well. He looked a little bit flat and that was a little bit weird. It’s happened to me and lots of other players.”
Former American World No 1, John McEnroe echoed those sentiments, as he feels Djokovic may be running against the time.
“I was just amazed how flat Djokovic was emotionally and physically,” said the 7-times Major winner. “As we know Father Time is undefeated and he’s done so well for so long that at some point, you have to think it will catch up with him. It catches up with all of us at some point!
“This was one of the worst days I’ve seen from him for a long time in a major.”
The Serbian is still the undisputed world No 1 and until he gets to lose in majors consistently, his dominance and longevity at the top of the game cannot be questioned.
Yet it remains to be seen that out of Wilander and McEnroe and others who is more accurate in his assessment of Djokovic after his recent loss in Melbourne.