Novak Djokovic completed his quest for the elusive Olympic gold earlier this year in Paris, and if Martina Navratilova’s words are anything to go by, the completed quest could well have an impact on his motivation to continue playing.
The American, who also boasts of a long career spanning decades, said in an interview with Sky Sports Tennis that Djokovic has completed his trophy cabinet with the Olympic gold that he had been chasing for years. She, however, was quick to note that the desire to better his and Margaret Court’s joint record for number of singles Grand Slam titles may keep him going.
Notably, Djokovic equaled Court’s all-time record of 24 singles Grand Slam trophies after winning the 2023 US Open title.
“He got what he really wanted, which was the Olympic gold medal, but he still wants the 25th Grand Slam, because then he’s one more than Margaret Court,” Martina Navratilova said.
However, she doubled down on her assessment and said the “end” will catch up to the Serb sooner than later, while noting that he did not look at his best even in his third-round loss to Alexei Popyrin at the 2024 US Open.
Martina Navratilova claimed that while the “fire” for the 25th Grand Slam could still be burning, there was also the factor of his family and wife Jelena wanting him to spend more time with them eventually.
“The end of his time will catch up with him… and it may already be a little bit, because he wasn’t really himself in that last match,” she said. “It depends on whether the fire is still burning.”
“If it’s still burning, I’m never going to say to him ‘you shouldn’t play’ , because it’s never going to tarnish his legacy. He’s ridiculously good. I’m sure his wife is saying, ‘It’s time to hang him up, how many more of these do you need?'” she added.
What’s ahead for Novak Djokovic after early US Open exit
Novak Djokovic at the 2024 US Open. (Image via Getty)
Novak Djokovic at the 2024 US Open. (Image via Getty)
Novak Djokovic has not committed to playing at any of the remaining Tour events of the season but still has significant ranking points to defend after the US Open.
The Serb had lifted the titles at the Paris Masters and the ATP Tour Finals last year and could well be returning to those tournaments in a bid to defend those points. He will have to play a few more tournaments to also ensure that he secures a spot for the season-ending finale given that only the top 8 from the ATP Race to Turin make the cut.
Djokovic, who was the defending champion at the 2024 US Open, suffered a surprise loss to Alexei Popyrin in the third round. His exit meant 2024 was the first year since 2017 that he went without winning any of the four Grand Slams.