Novak Djokovic’s father makes retirement plea to tennis great

Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, is calling on him to retire next year. 

Speaking on a new documentary titled “Novak Djokovic – Untold Stories,” Srdjan said at 36 years old and a record 23 Grand Slam titles, his son has little else to prove. 

“As far as my wishes for him go, he has already fulfilled them all seven-eight years ago,” Srdjan said in the documentary, per The Telegraph. “The rest is this amazing bonus, tennis is only one segment of his life, not his whole life. I expect him to be recognized for the things he will do after his career ends as well after he leaves the tennis world, which I hope will happen next year.

“… 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.”

Even in the twilight of his tennis career, Djokovic is still near the top of his game. 

The Serbian won this year’s first two Grand Slam titles before falling to No. 1 ranked Carlos Alcaraz in an epic five-set Wimbledon final earlier this month. 

After defeating Jannik Sinner to reach the Wimbledon final, Djokovic indicated that he still has plenty left in the tank. 

“I feel 36 is the new 26, it feels pretty good. I feel a lot of motivation,” he said. “It is great to be part of this next generation, I love it. This sport has given me and my family a lot. I will return the favor to this sport and play as much as I can.”

Djokovic’s generation, though, is coming to an end. 

The “Big Three” of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer dominated the ATP Tour for nearly two decades but age and injury have been catching up with them in recent years.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, retired from tennis in September, citing age and injuries.

Nadal said he would likely end his career in 2024 after a hip injury forced him to drop out of the French Open in May. 

Nadal also missed Wimbledon and his availability for the summer hard court season, culminating with the US Open, is unknown.

Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have dominated the sport for the past two decades, winning 65 of 80 Grand Slam tournaments since 2003.