Rafael Nadal Tips Novak Djokovic to Have ‘Small Mental Breakdown’ as Retirement Nears

Rafael Nadal has predicted that Novak Djokovic may experience a ‘small mental breakdown’ as he approaches the end of his professional tennis career.

Djokovic is now the last player standing from the Big Four era, with Nadal set to join Roger Federer and Andy Murray in retirement after the Davis Cup Finals. The Serbian star, who has expressed being ‘overwhelmed’ by the retirements of his rivals, recently acknowledged that a big part of him has ‘left with them.’

In July, Djokovic, who now holds 24 Grand Slam titles and is widely considered the greatest player of all time—especially after his gold medal at the Paris Olympics—hinted at his desire to continue challenging the newer generation of players, such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

However, at 37 years old, Djokovic’s time on the ATP Tour might be nearing its end, and Nadal believes a mental breakdown could be on the horizon for his former rival.

Nadal on Djokovic’s Future

“I think it’s human that Novak, even if he’s still healthy, is of a certain age, and it’s logical that the clock takes its toll on all of us,” Nadal told Spanish outlet AS.

“And that, once Federer has gone, once I’m gone, since we’ve been his two great rivals, at some point he will also have a small mental breakdown and will find a reason to step aside.”

Nadal added:
“That’s what happens to everyone. Novak is good enough to continue being competitive at the highest level, as long as he’s healthy. If he still enjoys what he’s doing, he’ll keep doing it. But if, at some point, everything required to remain at the top no longer feels worth it, then he’ll step aside. That’s what I think.”

Nadal on His Own Retirement

Nadal himself has struggled with injuries in recent years, and he recently hinted at rethinking his final professional appearance at the Davis Cup Finals if he is not physically ready to compete.

Following his penultimate tournament, the Six Kings Slam exhibition, Nadal said:
“Will I be ready for the Davis Cup? Emotionally, yes, that’s for sure; physically and tennis-wise, I still have a month ahead of me. I will prepare and try to be in shape to help the team win. If I’m ready and the captain agrees, it will be his decision. If I don’t feel ready, I will be the first to step away and find another way to help.”