There’s no doubt that Novak Djokovic‘s illustrious career is slowly approaching its twilight, but this doesn’t mean the Serbian champion is ready to stop competing at an elite level, nor does it imply he’s finished making history in the sport he’s dominated. Despite speculation about when he might retire, Aryna Sabalenka, the current WTA World No. 1, has spoken out on the issue, urging people to ease off.
Rumors about Djokovic’s retirement have intensified recently, especially after his drought following his gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Since then, Djokovic struggled to capture his 100th ATP title, which he finally secured days ago by winning the ATP 250 in Geneva, right before the Roland Garros tournament.
Now, Djokovic appears more confident as he competes in the French Open, where he stands a good chance of reaching the pivotal rounds. Sabalenka firmly believes it’s time to stop pressuring Djokovic about retirement, emphasizing that the 24-time Grand Slam winner is in excellent shape and could continue playing at a high level for several more years.
“You are trying to put all the pressure possible on Novak. Leave him alone. Look at him. He is fit, strong. Mentally, physically, I think he’s ready to play, I don’t know, another two, three years,” Sabalenka explained. “I don’t know, I don’t know. He is doing very well, you know”.
Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic react during a charity match ahead of the 2024 Australian Open. (Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
“Of course, everyone has ups and downs. You know, I think the older you get, the harder it is, like, to stay consistent at that level,” she continued. “But we see that whenever he is ready, whenever he is healthy and fit, he is there, and he is playing great tennis. So, leave him alone. Let him be”.
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The Belarusian athlete speculated on the hypothetical scenario of Djokovic retiring soon and argued that it wouldn’t be beneficial for tennis. She also referenced the recent tribute to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, noting the sadness of seeing three of the ‘Big Four’ now retired.
“Imagine if he retired tomorrow, everyone would be sad, right? Don’t you think? So, there are another 10, 15 years for Sinner and Alcaraz to become some of the greatest,” Sabalenka noted. “But, you know, leave him alone. It was very sad to see Nadal’s ceremony, the big four were on the court, and you understand that three of them retired. Everyone misses their matches”.
