Novak Djokovic does not appear to be retiring from his tennis career anytime soon.
Despite being 38 years old – a senior figure by any sporting metric – Djokovic has set his sights on the 2028 Olympic Games as a possible end point for his career.
The Serbian star remains a competitive figure on the Tour and is still searching for a 25th Grand Slam singles title; something Pat Cash believes Djokovic will not achieve.
Djokovic’s professionalism and longevity are two factors that have garnered the Serb an overwhelming amount of respect from his peers, not least from Holger Rune.
Novak Djokovic is the tennis GOAT… Prove us wrong
Holger Rune says talk of Novak Djokovic retiring is ‘crazy’
“He’s [Djokovic] incredible, especially what he’s doing at this age is phenomenal,” said Rune on the Served Podcast with Andy Roddick. “He’s 38 [and] still making deep runs.
“People questioning when he should retire, I’m like, I’m not even doing semis of every Slam, I should retire then! It’s crazy, obviously people are expecting him to win because he is who he is. But only Carlos and Jannik did more than semis of every Slam, nobody else did it last year.
“He’s still maybe even the third best player at the moment. But for me, what is incredible with Novak is how much being disciplined can reward you. It’s a brilliant example for me, and young players coming up.
“Hitting the return deep, the backhand, hitting the ball cross, deep line, all of these simple shots that you train in practice, sometimes that’s enough. In his career, that’s what he did so many times. “
Rune then discussed his feelings while competing against Djokovic for the first time in the first round of the 2021 US Open.
A young Rune fought valiantly against the Serbian star, but ultimately fell to a 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 defeat on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“When I played him for the first time at the US Open, I was really nervous,” Rune began. “He was just returning to me, playing the backhand cross, and I had time to play with him.
“I was like, But this is the greatest player, what is going on? Slowly but surely, he makes you move a little bit more, makes the returns every time, you don’t get any free points.
“You think you have to go bigger, you start missing some shots, then he breaks you… Then you get cramps and then you’re done.
“Physically, also, he’s maximised everything he’s got. He’s the most disciplined in nutrition and physical training, which is very inspiring.”
Novak Djokovic would be the undisputed GOAT if he won Grand Slam number 25 – could anyone argue otherwise?
Will Djokovic usurp Sinner and Alcaraz this year?
Djokovic has the experience, the nous and the quality to win a Grand Slam title this year. However, two titans of the game stand in his way: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic lost against one of these two players at three of the four Grand Slams in 2025. Sinner defeated Djokovic in the semi-finals of the French Open and Wimbledon, while Alcaraz defeated the Serbian star in straight sets in the US Open last four.
Djokovic’s only Grand Slam success against the pair came at the Australian Open, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals: 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic appears to match up better against Alcaraz – the Serbian star was comprehensively defeated by Sinner at the French Open and Wimbledon.
At the 2026 Australian Open, Djokovic may have his best opportunity at winning a 25th Grand Slam singles title; one that would set him apart from Margaret Court.
If Djokovic succeeds in Australia and wins a 25th title, it will be one of the greatest achievements in tennis history.
