When Will Novak Djokovic Retire? Serbian Star Opens Up Amid Injury Layoff

Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the 2025 Australian Open semi-finals against Alexander Zverev has raised not only concerns about his recovery but also fresh speculation about his future in tennis. While the timeline for his return remains uncertain, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has revealed details of the MRI that confirmed a knee tear.

ESPN commentator Chris Fowler provided insight into Djokovic’s injury, explaining that his recovery could take months:

“It’s not a joke, it’s a pretty deep tear. It’s in the deepest part of the hamstring, and it’s a problem because it’s a big muscle. The hamstring doesn’t have a lot of blood flow, so it’s harder to treat than other muscles. You can’t rush it—you have to be very sure before going back out there. Typically, injuries like this keep athletes sidelined for a couple of months.”

As Djokovic focuses on his rehabilitation, his latest remarks have fueled discussions about when he might retire. The Serbian star revealed in a candid interview that his father, Srdjan Djokovic, has been encouraging him to end his career.

“I feel that people have been writing tennis obituaries about me for some time now. The first one who started doing it was my father. He has been trying to convince me to retire for some time, but he doesn’t insist. He understands and respects my decision, but he often asks me what else I want to achieve. He is aware of the stress and tension that affects my mind and body,” Djokovic admitted.

At 37, Djokovic remains a dominant force in tennis, but his latest injury—along with increasing pressure from those closest to him—raises the question: will this setback bring him closer to calling time on his illustrious career?

For now, his return to the court depends on his recovery, but the conversation about his eventual retirement is gaining momentum.