Novak Djokovic’s future is quite uncertain after this season. While it’s clear that the Serbian legend will continue to play in 2025, predicting whether he can claim any more major titles before retiring remains a challenge. At 38 years old in 2025, the gap between Djokovic and the two current best players, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, appears to have widened in recent months.

Djokovic’s 2024 Season: A Mixed Bag

The 24-time Grand Slam champion did manage to defeat Alcaraz in the Paris Olympics final, securing the gold medal and completing a long-awaited goal. However, his season has also been marked by surprising defeats, and he hasn’t won a single title. His performance in the Grand Slam tournaments hasn’t been as stellar as expected. Djokovic reached the Wimbledon final but benefited from a favorable draw that helped him avoid the toughest opponents.

In the spring, Djokovic underwent knee surgery after an injury sustained during the French Open. While he recovered well, he continued to wear a knee brace for the remainder of the season.

A Controversial Decision: Skipping ATP Finals

Djokovic made the decision to skip both the Rolex Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP Finals in 2024. His choice was not entirely surprising, but the timing and communication of the decision left fans and insiders disappointed. Djokovic had known well in advance that he wouldn’t attend the ATP Finals in Turin but only revealed his forfeit a few days before the draw ceremony.

Benoit Maylin on Djokovic’s Future

During the latest episode of the Sans Filet show, tennis analyst Benoit Maylin discussed Djokovic’s current status and future. “Where is Djokovic? He qualified for the ATP Finals, but there’s been talk that he’s burned out and no longer motivated. Some even say he won’t win another Grand Slam,” Maylin said.

He continued, “Let’s not forget that in 2023, Djokovic was extraordinary, winning three of the four Grand Slams plus the ATP Finals, which he hadn’t done since 2015.”

Maylin believes that Djokovic’s emotionally draining Olympic victory took a toll on him. “Despite the knee operation, he wanted that Olympic gold, and he achieved it. That title, which he had been chasing since 2008, drained him emotionally. He needed to recharge.”

Djokovic Plans for 2025

As Djokovic reflects on his time left in professional tennis, he’s focusing on regenerating for 2025. Maylin speculates that Djokovic will be a dangerous contender again, potentially eyeing a 25th Grand Slam title, and maybe even a 26th. “There are not many favorites left on clay or grass, so who knows what might happen?”

2024: A Year of Reflection and Recovery

2024 wasn’t a standout year for Novak, except for his Olympic victory. It marks the first time since 2017 that he hasn’t won a Major title in a full season. Back then, an elbow injury affected his performance, but after surgery, Djokovic bounced back in 2018, winning Wimbledon and the US Open.

Djokovic’s Recent Appearances

After a family vacation in the Maldives, Djokovic returned to the tennis scene, presenting a trophy at the Belgrade ATP 250 event. He is also set to participate in the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where he plans to pay tribute to his great rival, Rafael Nadal.

The Remarkable Career of Novak Djokovic

Reflecting on his journey, Marian Vajda, Djokovic’s former coach, shared his thoughts on their collaboration. “When we started working, I thought it couldn’t get any better. He’s the best player who deserved it, and it was amazing to witness his progress,” Vajda said in a recent interview with Radio Television of Serbia.

Vajda added, “As a coach, I saw how he was improving, training better, and aiming to be number one in tennis. It’s been an incredible journey, and looking back at his achievements, it truly is remarkable.”

Djokovic’s partnership with Vajda ended after the 2021 season due to his decision to compete in the Tokyo Olympics while chasing a Calendar Grand Slam.