The 36-year-old has stepped into the veteran star role following Federer’s retirement and Rafa Nadal’s injury concerns, but seemed to enjoy that position at Wimbledon as he challenged the younger generation to challenge him before a thrilling five-set defeat to Alcaraz.
Though a huge amount of effort needs to be put in place to still be competing at the top of the sport at 36, something that both his parents have given their opinions on and feel that with all that he has achieved as the male with the most Grand Slam singles titles, it is enough to retire.
Speaking in a new documentary named Novak Djokovic – Untold Stories, Dijana Djokovic said: “It’s all up to him. As far as I’m concerned, he can retire right now – he has won everything.”
Novak Djokovic during the Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz. (Image: Getty)
Djokovic’s father, Srdan, added: “As far as my wishes for him go, he has already fulfilled them all seven/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. And for Novak to slowly but surely… 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.”
