The undisputed GOAT completed his resume with an Olympic gold medal in Paris last summer; might he join Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in retirement next year?
As we make our way toward the 2025 season—which begins Monday, December 27 with the United Cup—our writers and editors tackle the most important questions of the new year.
JON LEVEY: When pro athletes start flirting with 40, any season could be their final one. Djokovic will turn 38 in 2025, and certainly has nothing left to prove. However, not only won’t it be his swan song on tour, I think it’s a question we’ll be pondering for several years to come. Here are three reasons why:
- Djokovic takes meticulous care of himself, right down to each teaspoon of Manuka honey. Thus far he seems immune to the nagging injuries that dog aging players. His schedule will focus on peaking at the biggest events to protect himself from excessive wear and tear.
- He got his gold medal in 2024, but didn’t win a Slam for the first time since 2017. Throw in the rise of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz and there will be speculation about whether Djokovic can get back to the top of the game. Doubt is this guy’s rocket fuel.
- Taking on Andy Murray to be his coach. Not only will having a contemporary as a wingman rejuvenate Djokovic, their roadshow feels like a Netflix series. They’ll demand at least a couple of seasons.