Novak Djokovic is expected to give his legions of tennis fans a proper, planned farewell when he eventually ends his career, rather than delivering a sudden retirement shock akin to his great rival Rafael Nadal. This insight comes from a seasoned Serbian journalist who has followed the 24-time Grand Slam champion's career for years.
A Planned Send-Off Versus an Abrupt End
According to Saša Ozmo, a journalist for Sport Klub, Djokovic is unlikely to mimic the abrupt nature of Nadal's retirement at the close of the 2024 season. While he may not embark on a full-year farewell tour like basketball legend Kobe Bryant, Ozmo anticipates a more measured approach.
"Knowing Novak, he'll do his best to have a farewell tour, to maybe go to some of the places he didn't visit as a player that much and go to some of the places that were his favourite tournaments," Ozmo told Express. "I don't expect it to be a full year... but a few tournaments; I don't expect it to be abrupt."
Bryant famously announced his retirement with 66 games remaining in the NBA season, a prolonged goodbye. In contrast, Ozmo believes Djokovic will publicly announce his intentions while still having several events left on his calendar, allowing supporters to celebrate his final appearances.
The Lofty 2028 Olympic Goal and the Battle with Time
Djokovic has repeatedly stated his ambition to compete at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, when he will be 41. Ozmo views this target as "crazy" but acknowledges the Serbian's history of achieving the extraordinary. However, he suggests a U-turn on this plan is possible, hinging entirely on the star's physical condition.
"Playing until LA 2028 is a huge goal, considering he has been very injury-prone over the last couple of years," Ozmo noted. He emphasised that despite Djokovic's legendary dedication to fitness, nutrition, and recovery, "you can't beat Father Time." The journalist believes Djokovic's primary motivation for playing into his forties will be whether his body can maintain a level allowing him to remain a top-five player.
Grand Slam Performance: The Ultimate Catalyst
The key factor that could accelerate Djokovic's retirement timeline is his performance at the sport's biggest events. Ozmo points out that while Grand Slams remain a major motivation, Djokovic has begun to reconcile with the possibility that winning another might be beyond him.
"If he starts losing at Slams in the second or third round, that might be the catalyst for his decision to retire sooner rather than later," Ozmo stated. He added that Djokovic's post-match comments after Wimbledon and the US Open indicated a shifting perspective.
Regarding the immediate hunt for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open, Ozmo was cautious. "One would think that the Australian Open is always Novak's best chance, considering he's won there 10 times," he said. However, at 39 years old, the challenge is immense. Ozmo concluded that while a favourable draw could increase his chances, Djokovic is "far from the favourite" in a field containing rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
The Australian Open main draw begins at Melbourne Park on 18 January 2026, with the men's singles final scheduled for 1 February at Rod Laver Arena.
