In a revealing interview, Nick Kyrgios has offered rare insight into a private conversation with Novak Djokovic, sparking speculation about when the Serbian tennis legend might call time on his illustrious career.
During a recent appearance on a tennis talk show, Kyrgios recalled a candid exchange that took place between him and Djokovic at Indian Wells earlier this year. According to Kyrgios, he directly asked Djokovic why he was still competing, considering everything he had already achieved in the sport.
“I looked at him and said, ‘Why are you still playing?’” Kyrgios recounted. “And he just said, ‘I don’t know.’”
Kyrgios then followed up by asking if Djokovic missed being at home with his wife and kids. Once again, Djokovic responded with the same words: “I don’t know.”
For Kyrgios, it was a telling moment. “That’s when I knew,” he said. “He’s not sure anymore. He’s questioning it all.”
Kyrgios went on to suggest that Djokovic might be approaching the final stretch of his career, perhaps even sooner than many expect. “He’s done everything. He’s got nothing left to prove,” Kyrgios noted. “I think he’s got maybe a year left—maybe not even that.”
The Australian also mentioned that Djokovic had hinted this year’s French Open could be his last appearance at Roland Garros, further adding weight to the idea that retirement might be imminent.
While Djokovic continues to compete at a high level, age and motivation are undeniable factors. Now 38, he remains one of the top players in the world, but his dominance is increasingly challenged by a younger generation, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s last Grand Slam title came at the 2023 US Open, and while he has remained a fixture in major tournaments, some recent performances have lacked the trademark fire that once defined him.
Still, the Serbian has shown flashes of brilliance—winning the Geneva Open earlier this year and capturing a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yet Kyrgios believes these achievements might not be enough to sustain Djokovic’s hunger for the game.
“He’s already a legend,” Kyrgios said. “The greatest of all time. Maybe now he just wants to enjoy his life, spend time with his family, and step away while he’s still on top.”
Kyrgios’ comments have sparked debate in the tennis world, with many fans and analysts beginning to seriously consider whether Djokovic’s retirement could come sooner than expected. The idea of seeing him step away from the sport is bittersweet: a natural end to a historic era, but one that leaves an unmistakable void in the game.
Whether Djokovic retires in a few months or plays on for another season, one thing is clear—his legacy is already secured. And when he finally decides to hang up his racket, it will mark the end of one of the most
