The 38-year-old Novak Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slams in his career, has laid down his thoughts on his retirement plans and upcoming tournaments.
During the press conference after his Friday semi-final loss at Wimbledon 2025 against Jannik Sinner, Djokovic confirmed that he is planning to make a comeback next year at Wimbledon 2026 one last time, despite being heavily criticized for his recent performance against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
[TRENDING] Djokovic’s Response to Retirement Speculations
On July 11, 2025, in the semi-final clash between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, one of the greatest players of all time, Djokovic fell short as he lost the game by three straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 5-4. Sinner, who is in hot form, didn’t even need two hours to defeat Djokovic and seal his spot in the final.
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Djokovic was visibly struggling to find the rhythm the entire moment of the game, while Sinner was pressing the 24-time Grand Slam champion from the very beginning of the game. However, in the third set, Djokovic showed a sign of a potential comeback, leading the set by 3-0, but Sinner was so exceptionally good that he broke back twice and never allowed Novak to regain control.
When asked if he would appear again at Wimbledon 2026 during the post-match press conference, Djokovic confidently said, “I would be sad, but hopefully it’s not my last match on the Centre Court. I’m not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. So I’m planning to come back, definitely at least one more time and play on the Centre Court for sure.”
He further added that he is responsibly taking care of himself to compete and challenge the other players at the highest level possible, despite being 38 years old. He said, “I don’t know what I can do differently because of the number of hours that I spend on a daily basis to take care of myself.
I’d like to challenge everyone who is out there on the tour to see if anybody takes care of themselves more than I do.”
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Public & Fan Reactions
Following the press conference, the fans and general public had mixed feelings about the statements made by Novak Djokovic. Some fans were happy to hear that he is coming back again at Wimbledon 2026, while some fans were suggesting he retire since the version of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is improving day by day, and he might have a tough time facing either of the opponents.
One of the fans wrote on X, “Making it to the semifinals is an achievement. Congrats. Djokovic alone will know when the time is right for retirement. Who would like to be told by others when to retire? Love seeing him still being around.”
Making it to the semifinals is an achievement. Congrats. Djokovic alone will know when rhe time is right for retirement. Who would like to be told by others when to retire ? Love seeing him still being around.
— Martina Brankovsky (@mytorontodoors) July 12, 2025
Another user wrote, “Good news, I’m so happy to read his words. ́It’s not time for him to leave; we will be there to support him next year 🤗👏👏”
Meanwhile, some of the tennis fans urged Novak to retire on a high note since he now has 24 Grand Slams to his name and has a very good winning record. The comment section was filled with claims that he was a washed player and should not push further in the sport.
One of the users wrote, “I think he should retire. I have nothing against him, but what is the point of him playing and losing to Carlos and Sinner in the semis? The guy has 24 grand slams; he has nothing to prove. If he’s not going to win more, he shouldn’t even bother.”
Read the other comments that slammed Djokovic for his comeback statement at Wimbledon 2026:
On the other hand, the final of Wimbledon 2025 will be played between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on Sunday, July 13. The match is expected to be one of the greatest finals of all time, considering their recent meeting in the final at the French Open 2025.
Bigyan Samele’s Take on Novak Djokovic Returning at Wimbledon 2026
From a writer’s perspective and as someone who is fond of watching tennis, the statement made by Djokovic regarding the retirement plan does not seem to resonate with the general fans. Looking at his recent performances, he has shown incredible performances but has lost time and again to either Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz. Despite winning all the rounds, he is defeated in the semi-finals or finals. So, it would be good for him to take a break from sports on a high note and retire peacefully.
He has done everything for this sport, as winning 24 Grand Slams is not a joke; it is a statement of consistent commitment to the game. I hope Novak will rethink and settle down for the tennis fans.
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