Novak Djokovic is approaching his retirement day

Novak Djokovic turned 38 last May, an age that for most athletes marks the final stage of their careers. However, for one of the most enduring champions in tennis history, the journey is not yet over. Still, even for a player of Djokovic’s extraordinary caliber, time seems to be tightening its grip more than ever.

In recent seasons, Djokovic has been much more cautious about scheduling tournaments because he understands that his body no longer recovers and endures as it once did.

The Serbian player remains one of the smartest and most complete competitors in tennis, but it is undeniable that the pace and intensity of modern tennis, especially against the explosive younger generation, are gradually exceeding his physical limits.

The clearest evidence appeared at the 2025 Shanghai Masters when Djokovic unexpectedly 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 just two sets (6-3, 6-4).

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

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

The loss in Shanghai was more than just a slip-up; it sounded an alarm. With both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—his two most dangerous young rivals—having withdrawn early due to injury, the path seemed wide open for Djokovic to claim his 101st ATP title.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 where his sluggishness and lack of agility were obvious to all.

Once an almost unbeatable fortress in such situations, Djokovic is now increasingly vulnerable.

Though his grit and resilience 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 voiced what many only dared to think. On GB News, she said: "I feel 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 challenge at Roland Garros."

Stubbs’ view has merit. The clay courts of the French Open have always been a physical nightmare for players, especially with young stars like Alcaraz and Sinner dominating that surface. Playing five-set matches seems beyond Djokovic’s current endurance. Wimbledon is no easier, as the grass demands maximum speed and reflexes—factors hard to maintain past 35 years old.

"The Australian Open will be a perfect finale for his career. It’s where his Grand Slam conquest began," Stubbs added, implying the completeness if Djokovic ends at the tournament where he has won ten titles.

Djokovic himself acknowledged that playing five-set matches against young players is increasingly challenging, although he still believes he can perform well in shorter matches. Thus, the 2025 Shanghai Masters was seen as a crucial test, but unfortunately, he did not pass it.

Despite showing fairly strong form entering the tournament and being the top favorite after Alcaraz and Sinner withdrew, Djokovic could not keep up with Vacherot’s vigorous pace and precision. This loss was not due to tactical or mental errors but stemmed from a clear physical and movement speed gap.

This defeat might heavily influence Djokovic’s future decisions. Soon, he will participate in the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, earning a massive $1.5 million regardless of results. More importantly, ahead lies the 2026 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year and likely the final stage of the legend’s career.

Even if Djokovic competes in Melbourne next January, the chances of him playing all the Grand Slams in 2026 are slim. The physical burden and the rising wave of young talent have narrowed the gap between him and the rest.

At 38, Novak Djokovic remains a symbol of determination and excellence in modern tennis. Yet, after more than two decades of dominance, the moment to close the final chapter of his illustrious career is approaching—not because he has lost willpower, but because time has won the one match no one can avoid.