Finally, the moment is approaching when Djokovic will officially end his remarkable playing career.

The clearest proof appeared at the 2025 Shanghai Masters, where Djokovic surprisingly lost in the semifinals to a nearly unknown player — Valentin Vacherot. The 25-year-old from Monaco, then ranked outside the top 200, caused the biggest upset of the year by defeating the 24-time Grand Slam champion in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.

This victory not only secured Vacherot a place in the final against Arthur Rinderknech (also his cousin) but also became the most memorable milestone in the young player’s career.

For Djokovic, that defeat immediately raised a big question: Is the Serbian legend approaching the conclusion of his magnificent journey?

The loss in Shanghai was not merely a slip but more like a wake-up call. When both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner — his two youngest and most dangerous rivals — withdrew early due to injury, the path seemed wide open for Djokovic to claim his 101st ATP title. Yet he fell to an opponent more than a decade younger in a match marked by noticeable sluggishness and lack of agility.

Once nearly unbeatable in such situations, Djokovic is now increasingly vulnerable.

Although his resilience and toughness remain, the marks of age and injury have somewhat worn down these qualities. Fans and experts alike are beginning to wonder: How many more top-level matches — let alone Grand Slams — does he have left in his career?

Former world No. 1 doubles player Rennae Stubbs expressed what many only dared to think. On GB News, she said, "I feel that the upcoming Australian Open will be his last Grand Slam. I don’t think Djokovic wants to continue playing after that and face the physical challenges at Roland Garros."