The tennis world is no stranger to speculation about the future of its top players, especially when it comes to icons like Novak Djokovic. Over the years, Djokovic has dominated the sport, securing numerous Grand Slam titles, and consistently competing at the highest levels. But as with any athlete, the question of when they will retire always looms, and as Djokovic inches closer to his 38th birthday, fans and analysts alike are beginning to ask: Will 2025 be the year Novak Djokovic retires from tennis?
Recently, John Isner, one of Djokovic’s fellow competitors and a veteran of the ATP circuit, weighed in on the matter, sharing his thoughts on whether the Serbian star will call it quits after 2025. Isner’s perspective is particularly intriguing because, while he’s not as accomplished as Djokovic, he’s been around the game long enough to have a unique insight into the life of a professional tennis player, the physical and mental demands of the sport, and the factors that influence retirement decisions. So, what does Isner think? Let’s dive into the factors that might influence Djokovic’s decision to retire, Isner’s predictions, and the likely trajectory for one of the greatest players in tennis history.
### Djokovic’s Career So Far
Novak Djokovic’s career is a testament to perseverance, skill, and relentless determination. As of 2025, Djokovic will have likely surpassed 20 Grand Slam titles, a feat that many considered impossible a decade ago. Djokovic has dominated tennis with a rare blend of mental toughness, extraordinary athleticism, and technical precision. Alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, he is part of the so-called “Big Three” that has defined modern men’s tennis for over 15 years.
However, as with all great careers, there comes a time when age and the physical toll of the sport begin to play a larger role in a player’s decision-making. Djokovic has shown that, despite the challenges of age, he is still incredibly motivated, and in 2023, he captured his 24th Grand Slam singles title at the US Open, further cementing his legacy. Still, as he heads into his late 30s, retirement is inevitable for even the greatest players.
### The Age Factor and Physical Demands
One of the most significant factors that John Isner cited when discussing Djokovic’s potential retirement was the physical toll that tennis takes on players. In recent years, there’s been an increasing awareness of how demanding professional tennis is on the body, especially for players who are as successful and as competitive as Djokovic.
Djokovic, who has long been known for his fitness regimen, has managed to defy expectations when it comes to maintaining peak physical form. However, as Isner points out, there comes a point where the body simply can’t keep up with the demands of the game. While Isner himself is still going strong at 39, it’s clear that the length of a professional tennis career isn’t only about staying in shape—it’s about managing the relentless travel schedule, the pressure of competing at the highest levels, and the wear-and-tear on the body.
In particular, Djokovic has battled injuries throughout his career, including back problems, elbow issues, and a recurring shoulder injury. These injuries are not unusual in a sport like tennis, which involves high-intensity, repetitive movements, but they are an added consideration when contemplating the idea of retirement. As Isner puts it, “There’s only so much wear and tear the body can take before it starts to impact performance, and that’s something Novak will have to reckon with in the coming years.”
### Djokovic’s Motivation and Mental Game
While physical factors are a major concern, John Isner also points out that mental motivation plays a crucial role in an athlete’s decision to retire. Djokovic has been one of the most mentally resilient players in tennis history. His ability to perform under pressure and thrive in tight situations is unmatched, and it’s that mental fortitude that has allowed him to stay at the top for so long.
However, Isner also suggests that mental motivation might start to wane after so many years at the top. Djokovic has achieved virtually everything a tennis player can dream of, and while he is still highly competitive, there may come a point when the hunger to keep winning begins to fade. As Isner observes, “At some point, the desire to keep doing this year after year, traveling the world, and facing younger, hungrier opponents can start to lose its luster.”
This is a common theme among athletes across all sports. After achieving so much success, the challenge of competing at the highest level starts to feel more like a grind than a thrill. Djokovic has spoken in the past about the toll the travel schedule takes on him, especially with the demands of family life. As Isner points out, Djokovic’s family life and off-court responsibilities could increasingly play a role in his decision to retire.
### Isner’s Prediction: Will Djokovic Retire in 2025?
When asked directly about whether he believes Novak Djokovic will retire after 2025, John Isner offered an intriguing perspective. While Isner acknowledged that Djokovic’s fitness and mental strength suggest he could keep playing for several more years, he also hinted that Djokovic might start contemplating retirement sooner rather than later.
“I think Novak is capable of playing for a few more years, but whether he will, I’m not so sure. He has done everything there is to do in the sport. He’s broken all the records, and he’s reached all the milestones. There’s a point where even someone as driven as Novak may start thinking about what’s next,” Isner said.
Isner also noted that Djokovic’s ability to remain competitive with younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev is a testament to his incredible dedication, but that these younger players may eventually push him to consider his legacy more seriously. The emergence of younger talent has made the ATP Tour more competitive than ever, and while Djokovic is still capable of defeating anyone, the question of how much longer he can remain at the very top is a valid one.
Ultimately, Isner predicts that 2025 could be a critical year for Djokovic. While he doesn’t believe that Djokovic will make an official announcement about retirement in 2025, he suspects that the Serbian star may begin to wind down his career by the end of that year. “I wouldn’t be surprised if 2025 marks the end of his full-time career, but knowing Novak, he may want to go out with one more big title,” Isner concluded.
### The Bottom Line
As John Isner aptly pointed out, predicting when a player like Novak Djokovic will retire is never straightforward. There are so many factors at play, from physical health to mental motivation, family considerations, and the evolving landscape of the sport. While Djokovic is still performing at an incredibly high level, the demands of the game will inevitably lead to a decision about his future, and Isner believes that 2025 could be the year when that decision becomes clearer.
Whether or not Djokovic retires in 2025, there’s no doubt that he will go down as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His legacy is already secure, and whatever path he takes, tennis fans will be grateful for the many years of excellence he has provided on the court.
