Novak Djokovic is on the brink of creating history that might never be matched again, as he faces Carlos Alcaraz later today.
Meeting in the Australian Open final, where he has never lost in ten matches, the Serbian is now just one win away from winning his 25th Grand Slam title.
Doing so would move him as the outright leader on both the men’s and women’s tours, thus cementing his position as the greatest tennis player of all time.
However, for many, this might be his last chance.
Should Djokovic retire whatever happens in the Australian Open final and go out in a blaze of glory?
He has tried for so long and come so close over the last few years, yet has consistently been thwarted by one of Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner.
Were he to fall at this final hurdle today, many have suggested that Djokovic’s retirement could not be far away.
Novak Djokovic’s potential retirement discussed again
Ironically, there has also been a suggestion that he could retire on the spot were he to win, having completed all there is to do in tennis.
Discussing that suggestion on the Off Court with Greg podcast, it was Greg Rusedski who offered his thoughts on the topic.
He argued: “I don’t think it’s [retirement] crossing his mind.
“He’s just trying to win another major, and if he can win the Australian Open, why can’t he win Wimbledon? That’s where most people think his best chances.
“Novak will make the decisions for himself. He’s already talked about being ready for the Olympics coming up, you know, having gotten the gold medal finally in Paris, which he did two years ago, which was big on his list.
“So no, I don’t think he’s going to retire. Maybe it’ll be the storybook ending everybody would want, but I think he believes there’s more in the tank.”
This Australian Open has proven that Novak Djokovic can compete
After two years of domination from Alcaraz and Sinner, it feels refreshing to see Novak Djokovic back on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
And, regardless of the result of the final, he has more than proven why he remains on tour despite having won everything the sport has to offer.
The way in which he dismantled Sinner, beating him at his own game, was extraordinary. He was bold and brave, and his risk paid off with one of the greatest results of his career.
Now, to beat Alcaraz in a back-to-back match might prove a step too far.
Who is winning in Sunday’s Australian Open final?
The fact that Djokovic has now reinforced the notion that he’s still competitive with both of the world’s top two players should only reignite his passion to keep going.
Whether he wins today’s final or not, retirement should not be crossing the 38-year-old’s mind.
