Novak Djokovic’s future within the sport remains one of the most intriguing storylines heading into 2026.
After all, at 39 years old, few would begrudge him for finally calling time on his sensational career.
He has won it all, and there is very little that is likely keeping him around other than personal enjoyment.
However, for some, that still draws more questions, with many even predicting that Djokovic will still retire in 2026.
One former WTA star has even gone as far as to question why he has even set himself the lofty goal of playing at the 2028 LA Olympics.
Novak Djokovic’s Olympics decision scrutinised
Nadia Petrova, who reached a career-high ranking of third across her impressive career, was the one to take issue with Novak Djokovic’s career plan, whilst speaking with Šampionat.
She admitted: “Those Games are still far away. She already won the gold in the previous ones, and honestly, I don’t understand why he wants to play in the next ones as well.
What would have happened if Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played at the same time as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?
“He has played great games this year, but physically, he has been behind Alcaraz and Sinner. And every year that passes will be more difficult for him.
“It would be fantastic if he won his 25th Grand Slam and closed his career in a phenomenal way. He loves tennis and only he knows how long he can keep playing.”
She also went on to suggest who might be able to compete with Alcaraz and Sinner in the near future, singling out Ben Shelton: “I really like how Ben Shelton plays.
“He entered the top ten this year and I hope he continues to improve. I wouldn’t rule out De Minaur either; he’s a great player and could reach a great final.
“There is Bublik, who, if he feels like it, can beat anyone. And, of course, Daniil Medvedev. He already won a Grand Slam and reached a final. He has a new coach and can undoubtedly give much more.”
Novak Djokovic has outlasted all of his greatest rivals
Across a career that spans two decades, Djokovic was bound to accumulate plenty of rivals.
However, chief among them were obviously Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Before he broke through to become a regular threat on the tour, this duo were the dominant force and had completely turned the ATP Tour into a duopoly.
Novak Djokovic is the tennis GOAT… Prove us wrong
Djokovic’s efforts to usurp that status quo and actually surpass them both in major titles marked a monumental feat. Federer retired in 2022, whilst the Spaniard did so just last year, joining Andy Murray, another of his great rivals.
And now, even Stan Wawrinka has revealed his plans to retire, marking another of Djokovic’s key rivals departing the sport.
Should he keep playing until 2028, there will definitely be nobody of his kind left on the tour.
