Novak Djokovic’s dad hints at star’s retirement date as he says he ‘should have stopped YEARS AGO’
NOVAK DJOKOVIC’S dad has hinted that his son could soon retire from tennis.
Srdjan also said that the 23-time Grand Slam champion should have hung up his racket years ago.
Djokovic won this year’s Australian and French Open but lost a thrilling Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz.
And the 36-year-old may not have many more chances to defend his titles.
In a documentary titled Novak Djokovic – Untold Stories, his father revealed he is proud of him and he should call it a day on his career.
Srdjan said: “As far as my wishes for him go, he has already fulfilled them all seven or eight years ago. The rest is this amazing bonus.
“Tennis is only one segment of his life, not his whole life. I expect him to be recognised for the things he will do after his career ends as well, after he leaves the tennis world, which I hope it will happen next year.
“It’s not the end, but in a year-and-a-half let’s say.
“My wish as a father – I think for some time that he should have stopped working this extremely difficult job.
“It’s physically and mentally challenging and very demanding – with him being fully dedicated for 30 years, and not taking his foot off the gas, there is not much time for other things in life.”
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His mother Dijana also said in the show: “It’s all up to him. As far as I’m concerned, he can retire right now – he has won everything.”
Djokovic himself said in May: “The desire is still there, but things can change quickly – I am 36, I’ve been a pro for 20 years.”
The Serbian legend rarely plays in tournaments outside Grand Slams and Masters 1000 events to not tire out.
Rival Rafael Nadal is expected to retire next year and enjoy a 2024 farewell tour of the ATP circuit.
Meanwhile, Roger Federer quit tennis in 2022.