Novak Djokovic Hints at Retirement: "It Could Have Been My Last Match..."
The 37-year-old Serbian, defeated in Madrid, admits his farewell to professional tennis might be closer than many expected.
Time Is Catching Up with the Grand Slam King
It is becoming increasingly common for Novak Djokovic's name to be linked more to retirement rumors than to tournament victories. At 37 years old, the Serbian legend is still trying to hold on to the elite, but recent results show signs that the end may be near. Following the retirements of Roger Federer and the indefinite pause of Rafael Nadal, Djokovic remains the last bastion of the historic "Big Three."
His first-round defeat at the Mutua Madrid Open, losing in straight sets to Italian player Matteo Arnaldi, has only raised more concerns. Unlike his epic battle against Carlos Alcaraz in 2022 at the same venue, this time Nole had no answers. Leaving the court with his head down, he briefly spoke to the media and delivered a chilling statement: "It could have been my last match here, I don't know."
Djokovic acknowledged that this vulnerable feeling is new for him: "It’s been 20 years without experiencing what’s happening to me over the past twelve months. Early losses, too many. It's part of the sport, and you have to accept the circumstances."
A Frustrating 2025 Season
Since the end of 2023, when he captured the ATP Finals and the Paris Masters, Djokovic has not managed to win another ATP title. In 2025, he has faced early exits at Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, and Madrid, and he only reached the final in Miami, where he lost to Czech player Jakub Mensik.
His recent record paints a clear picture: multiple consecutive losses without winning a single set. Against Mensik (7-6(4), 7-6(4)), Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo (6-3, 6-4), and now Arnaldi in Madrid (6-3, 6-4).
Next up for Djokovic is Rome, where he will arrive without a single clay-court victory this season. His last win on this surface dates back to the Olympic final in Paris 2024.
Despite his immense career achievements—99 titles and over 428 weeks ranked as world number one—Djokovic is now facing an unfamiliar reality: decline. Meanwhile, fans are left wondering at every tournament if it might be the last time they see the man who rewrote tennis history.
