Novak Djokovic’s mortality within tennis is a much-discussed topic, but one that few dare to imagine.
After all, it seems insane to imagine a world where the Serbian is not in and around the apex of the sport, particularly given how dominant he has been across his sparkling, legendary career.
He remains hugely competitive, but it’s clear that he is some distance from the level needed to win another Grand Slam title. At this stage in his career, it feels like this unlikely motivation is the only thing still keeping him going.
Despite this, Djokovic has insisted that he will retire at the 2028 LA Olympics, meaning he will be into his 40s when he finally retires.
Speaking at the recent Fanatics Fest in New York, the 39-year-old has actually been discussing his future in tennis, making a rather bold admission whilst reacting to something Andre Agassi had said about his looming retirement.
Novak Djokovic makes stark admission about his retirement
Discussing his upcoming new documentary, titled ‘The Wolf in Winter’, he actually shared a brief insight into the kind of topics they will touch upon throughout.
And, in doing so, he referenced one interview held with Agassi, a seven-time major champion, legend of the sport, and former coach of his too.
Who is the best hard-court player in tennis today?
The US Open is right around the corner…
Djokovic first insisted: “Honestly, it’s amazing for me to hear the all-time greats, and how they were approaching this process of, kind of, letting go.
“I’m still feeling I can compete at the highest level, and the results are there. I can still stay a little bit active here and there.”
Then, he revealed: “Andre Agassi is one of the all-time greats, of course. He was part of my documentary, and he said: ‘I don’t know when the end is coming for Novak, but I’m sure as hell that, when it comes, it comes fast.’
“I think he’s right. Of course, I would lie if [I said] I don’t have those thoughts. I do have them. And I don’t know if there’s a perfect way [to retire].
“There’s a category of athletes that want to leave on top, there’s a category of athletes that want to leave because their body is not listening to them, and there’s a category of athletes that just get beaten by others, and they see they can’t go on. Or, it’s all of it.
“So I’m still just trying to enjoy myself competing. I’m there, and we’ll have this conversation later.”
Djokovic also admitted his retirement was closer than ever at that same event.
What Novak Djokovic achieved with Andre Agassi as his coach
Djokovic and Agassi spent just under a year together as player and coach, in a union that had many thrilled at the time.
After all, it placed two legends of the sport beside one another, with the American seeking to bestow his infinite wisdom upon the Serbian superstar.
Pick a sport you want Novak Djokovic to play when he retires from tennis!
Could you imagine him doing any of these? 😂
Sadly, it was not the storied partnership that many had hoped for.
In fact, Djokovic went through one of the most barren major-tournament stretches of his career under Agassi, failing to reach the semi-finals at any of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
That being said, he was blighted by an elbow injury which eventually forced him to have surgery in 2018, months after his split with Agassi.
They won just one title together: the Eastbourne International.
