Novak Djokovic, one of tennis’ greatest players, has been a fixture at the top of the ATP rankings for years. His unparalleled physical fitness, mental toughness, and ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments have made him a dominant force in tennis. However, as with all athletes, the physical demands of the sport eventually take their toll, and Djokovic now finds himself battling an injury that has been described as a “nightmare” for his career and the expectations surrounding him.
This latest injury has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, and while Djokovic has faced setbacks in the past, this one feels particularly significant. The minimum time Djokovic is expected to be out of action could be a turning point in his illustrious career. With no set timeline for his return, tennis fans and analysts are left wondering: what’s next for Djokovic? How will this injury impact his legacy? And how does this challenge compare to the other obstacles he’s faced in his remarkable career?
### A Nightmare Injury: What We Know
In early 2025, Djokovic revealed that he had been struggling with a severe injury that, while not life-threatening, has proven to be debilitating and troubling. The injury, which he describes as a “nightmare” for its stubbornness and the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, is related to his longstanding physical struggles. Over the years, Djokovic has had to deal with a series of physical issues, including back pain and elbow injuries, but this one is different—it’s more complex and has come at a critical point in his career.
Reports from Djokovic’s camp suggest that the injury is particularly troublesome because it involves a recurring issue with his knee. While initially thought to be a minor issue, scans and tests revealed significant damage that will require extended rest and a cautious approach to rehabilitation. Doctors have emphasized that pushing through this injury could lead to more severe and long-term consequences, and so, for the first time in years, Djokovic has been forced to confront a period of extended time off the court.
Experts in sports medicine have classified this injury as a “nightmare” for a few key reasons. First, it is not a simple soft-tissue injury that can be repaired with a few weeks of rest. It’s a more intricate, structural problem that requires not only a break from competition but also a specific rehabilitation process that may take months to fully address. Second, Djokovic’s age—he’s now 37—adds another layer of concern. While many athletes at this stage of their careers can still recover from injuries, the process takes longer, and the road to a full return is often more fraught with setbacks. Finally, there’s the mental aspect: Djokovic has spent his entire career pushing the limits of his body, and being told to rest for an extended period of time is a challenge that will test his resilience like never before.
### The Timeline: What Does Extended Time Out Mean?
While the specifics of Djokovic’s injury have not been fully disclosed, medical professionals suggest that a minimum time out of action could be anywhere from 3 to 6 months. This estimate takes into account the need for rest, rehabilitation, and physical therapy to restore the functionality of his knee. As is often the case with injuries of this nature, there are no guarantees that Djokovic will be able to return to peak form once he’s back on the court.
For a player like Djokovic, who is used to competing at the highest level on a near-constant basis, the prospect of such a prolonged break is daunting. The time away from the tour is particularly significant because of the nature of tennis’ calendar. Tournaments like Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open are key to Djokovic’s pursuit of further Grand Slam titles and his place in tennis history. Missing even one of these events can be a setback, especially as his career enters its twilight years. It’s also possible that his return to competition could be gradual, with him easing back into form over the course of a season. Given that the knee injury could impact his movement, endurance, and serve—areas that are fundamental to his game—Djokovic and his team will need to be cautious in their approach to his recovery.
### How This Injury Affects Djokovic’s Legacy
Injury woes have always been a part of the narrative for elite athletes, and Djokovic is no stranger to overcoming them. In fact, some of his most impressive moments have come after battling through physical limitations. However, this injury, coming at a time when many believe Djokovic is still within reach of further achievements—perhaps even more Grand Slam titles—adds an unexpected challenge to his future.
At 37, Djokovic is still playing at an incredibly high level, and his form in the 2024 season suggested that he could keep competing with the best for several more years. His victory at the 2024 Australian Open solidified his position as one of the most dominant players in the sport’s history, and many believed he could claim another Grand Slam or two, further pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at his age. The knee injury, however, casts a shadow over these ambitions. If the recovery period extends beyond a year, it’s conceivable that Djokovic may never return to the same level of dominance that he enjoyed during the peak of his career.
That said, Djokovic’s legacy is already secure. With 24 Grand Slam titles, countless Masters 1000 victories, and an unparalleled career in terms of longevity, his place in tennis history is firmly cemented. The injury may prevent him from adding more titles to his tally, but his impact on the sport, the records he’s set, and the way he has revolutionized the mental and physical approach to tennis will remain.
### Mental Resilience: Djokovic’s Ultimate Strength
One thing that has set Djokovic apart from many other athletes is his mental resilience. While other players may have faltered under the pressure of high-stakes matches or prolonged injury setbacks, Djokovic has consistently demonstrated the ability to fight through adversity. This mental toughness will likely be his greatest asset as he navigates this period of uncertainty.
In previous interviews, Djokovic has spoken at length about how his mental game has evolved over the years. Early in his career, he struggled with nerves and self-doubt, but over time, he learned to embrace challenges and use them as motivation. This mindset will likely be crucial as he faces what could be the toughest battle of his career—the fight to recover from an injury at a time when many have written off his potential for further success.
While the physical pain of the injury is undoubtedly challenging, Djokovic’s psychological approach to recovery will likely play a huge role in his ability to return to the tour. He has already shown that he can come back from difficult situations before, and there’s no reason to believe that this time will be any different.
### Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Djokovic?
The next few months will be a crucial period for Djokovic. As he begins his rehabilitation and recovery, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if he can return to the court at the same level of excellence we’ve come to expect from him.
If this injury ultimately ends up being a major hurdle in his career, it may signal the end of one of the most remarkable periods of dominance in sports history. However, if Djokovic’s past resilience is any indication, this setback might just be another chapter in his long and storied career—one that showcases his ability to fight back and defy expectations.
For now, fans and experts alike will be hoping for a swift and full recovery, but regardless of what happens, Novak Djokovic’s legacy will endure, and the tennis world will forever be in awe of the journey he has taken.