Novak Djokovic has a big plan for 2025

Novak Djokovic has never hidden that his main goal in 2024 was to win the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris and he realized this dream by shocking the whole world, despite being on the favorite surface of Carlos AlcarazThe former world No. 1 – who won three Majors last year – failed to shine in the Grand Slam tournaments this year, playing just one final (at the Wimbledon Championships) and received a good beating from Alcaraz on Centre Court.

The 37-year-old from Belgrade is starting to feel the effects of age and has suffered several painful defeats in recent months, including one against Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the Australian Open (where he was trying to win his 11th title). Despite knee surgery in the spring, Novak played an excellent Olympic tournament in which he proved himself to be a legend of the modern sport. The 24-time Grand Slam champion not only won the Olympic tournament in August, but he also did not lose a set during his run in Paris.

Nole came to unload at the US Openwhere he was knocked out in the third round by Australian ace Alexei Popyrin, as he was unable to defend his 2023 title. Djokovic has lost several ATP rankings and needs a strong season finale to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.

What’s next for Nole?

Many fans, former players and insiders wonder if Novak will win another Grand Slam title next year, when he turns 38. In a recent interview with SportKlub, the former American star said Lindsay Davenport opened up about Nole’s season: “Of course I’m surprised he lost so early in New York, but in a strange way I’m happy for him. After everything he’s done, it hasn’t been easy for him to play a big tournament again since mid-May.

I really want him to rest well, to play what and how he wants until the end of the season. We keep forgetting that Novak is 37 years old, that he has been on tour for 20 years. He knows and feels that best. He needs time to enjoycelebrate and then get ready for Australia. I believe next year he can win two or three Grand Slams.”

WTA legend Martina Navratilova also discussed Novak’s current status: “He got what he really wanted, which was the Olympic gold medal, but he still wants the 25th Grand Slam, because then he is one more than Margaret Court“The end of his time will catch up with him… and maybe it already has a little bit because he wasn’t really himself in that last game,” she said. “It depends on whether the fire is still burning. If it is still burning, I will never say to him ‘you shouldn’t play’ because that will never tarnish his legacy. He is ridiculously good. I’m sure his wife is saying, ‘It’s time to hang him up, how many more of these do you need?'”

An uncertain future

The former world No. 1 has shown some cracks this year and his motivation may not be at its peak after winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, which finally completes the puzzle. Djokovic has admitted he wants to play for many more years and has also Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Gamesbut next year will be decisive in understanding his intentions.

During a Eurosport event, tennis legend John McEnroe spoke about Djokovic’s future: “It’s hard to say what we can expect from him next year. First of all, you never want to rule him out, but this is certainly the first time you can ask the question whether his days of winning majors are over. He has his family and you mention the word motivation. How long can this man stay motivated? I’m surprised he lasted this longactually. Whether he wins majors again or not. He won three out of four last year and now we’re saying he might never win one again. I’d be pretty surprised if he won more majors because of his age. At some point, that overtakes you.”

The loss against Popyrin hurts and Nole arrived empty-handed at the tournament where he defended the title and where he triumphed several times. It must be said – to his own indignation – that his goal of the season was the Olympic Games and he won them a month ago. Now, at 37, Djokovic has won everything in this sport and – as Navratilova confirmed in the last few hours – he needs to figure out what to do with his future.