PARIS — Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, made a concerning admission at the French Open just days after sparking retirement speculation. The Serbian tennis star revealed he has been battling persistent physical issues, raising questions about his longevity in the sport.
Djokovic, who turned 37 last month, admitted after his second-round victory over Roberto Carballés Baena that his body is no longer as resilient as it once was. "I’m always facing small issues with my body," he said. "It’s part of the process at this stage of my career. I have to manage it carefully."
Physical Struggles Raise Concerns
Djokovic’s comments come just days after he hinted at retirement in an emotional interview, stating he was "aware that the end is closer than the beginning." His latest admission has only intensified speculation about his future in the sport.
The world No. 1 has been dealing with multiple minor injuries in recent months, including:
- A wrist issue that flared up earlier this year
- Knee discomfort during clay-court tournaments
- General fatigue from a grueling schedule
Djokovic’s Candid Reflection
Despite his struggles, Djokovic remains determined to compete at the highest level. "I still love the game, and I still have the hunger," he said. "But I have to be realistic—my body isn’t 25 anymore."
His coach, Goran Ivanišević, acknowledged the challenges, telling reporters: "Novak is a warrior, but even warriors feel the wear and tear. We’re adjusting his training to keep him fresh."
French Open Performance Under Scrutiny
Djokovic’s form at Roland Garros has been inconsistent. While he secured a straight-sets win in the second round, his first-round match was a grueling four-set battle against Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Analysts noted his movement appeared slightly hampered, particularly on clay.
Tennis legend John McEnroe weighed in, saying: "When Novak starts talking about his body like this, it’s a red flag. He’s not the type to make excuses."
What’s Next for Djokovic?
With the Olympics and Wimbledon on the horizon, Djokovic faces a critical stretch. His team has hinted at a possible reduced schedule to prioritize major events. "We’ll take it tournament by tournament," Ivanišević said.
Fans and pundits alike are left wondering how much longer Djokovic can maintain his dominance. His recent remarks suggest he’s already thinking about life after tennis, but for now, he remains focused on adding to his historic legacy.
As Djokovic himself put it: "Every match could be my last at this level. That’s why I play with so much passion—because I know it won’t last forever."
The tennis world will be watching closely as Djokovic navigates this challenging phase of his career, balancing physical limitations with an undiminished will to win.