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Wimbledon 2026 suggested as possible farewell for Novak Djokovic

Originally posted on HITC | By Lee Connor | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 11:07 AM ET

Novak Djokovic may be winding down his playing days, but he remains firmly among the sport’s elite.

Even with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner now leading the way, Djokovic still holds his own.

Now 38, Djokovic reached the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams in 2025, a run that speaks volumes about both his longevity and how well he’s managed his body over such a long period.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner has dealt with more physical setbacks in 2025 than in years past, with minor injuries cropping up throughout the season.

He picked up knocks at all three majors this year: Australia, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Retirement is obviously going to happen eventually. But it might come around sooner than some fans are expecting.

David Law: Novak Djokovic’s 2026 retirement may come at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic’s recent trip to the Shanghai Masters has sparked fresh discussion about his future, with Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Matt Roberts sharing their thoughts on The Tennis Podcast.

The Serbian made it to the semi-finals before falling short against Valentin Vacherot, but it was his physical struggles in the heat that drew most of the attention.

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Whitaker started the conversation by asking: “Where do we stand on where Novak Djokovic is after last week, Matt?”

Roberts replied: “I think it slightly depends what your answer is to the question: why did he go to Shanghai?

“Because if he went to prove that he can still win big-level tournaments and I think particularly get through big-level tournaments without physical issues.

“So from that point of view, I think you have to say I don’t think he got out of Shanghai what he wanted at all.”

Roberts continued: “However, I’m having a slight readjustment of why Novak Djokovic is playing tennis at all, and I’ve always thought he’s only playing to win. But he’s kind of told us that he is looking for these moments, he is looking for appreciation and love and he’s getting that.

Whitaker then asked Law if there has been a shift in mentality and motivation from Djokovic in recent years. He said:

Novak Djokovic’s seven Wimbledon titles

Djokovic is just one title away from matching Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon crowns. His first win at SW19 came in 2011, where he beat Rafael Nadal to lift the trophy.

Djokovic then won back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015, both times defeating Federer to deny him another Wimbledon title.

In 2018, he got the better of Kevin Anderson before beating Federer again in a memorable five-set battle the following year. That match was especially dramatic, with Djokovic saving two championship points along the way.

He then added two more titles in consecutive years, beating Matteo Berrettini in 2021 and Nick Kyrgios in 2022.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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