The future of tennis legend Novak Djokovic has been cast into uncertainty by a surprising source: Patrick Mouratoglou, the former long-time coach of Serena Williams. In a recent assessment, Mouratoglou has suggested that Djokovic's unparalleled drive may be waning, tipping the 24-time Grand Slam champion to potentially retire from the sport's biggest stages after the 2026 Australian Open.
PARIS — The tennis world is abuzz with speculation following provocative comments from renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou regarding the career trajectory of Novak Djokovic. Speaking on his official Instagram channel, Mouratoglou posited that the Serbian superstar's legendary motivation is facing its greatest test, leading to a potential exit plan centered around a final hurrah at Melbourne Park in two years' time.
Mouratoglou's analysis comes during a challenging 2024 season for Djokovic. For the first time since 2018, the world No. 1 has reached the midway point of the calendar year without capturing a single major title, suffering a semi-final defeat at the Australian Open to Jannik Sinner and an unfortunate fourth-round withdrawal from Roland-Garros due to a knee injury. This has led many to question if the sport is witnessing the beginning of a changing of the guard.
A Dip in the Unwavering Desire
At the core of Mouratoglou's argument is the intangible element of desire. He contends that Djokovic's historic success has been built not just on physical prowess and technical mastery, but on an insatiable hunger that may finally be diminishing. "The question is, 'Does he still want it?'," Mouratoglou stated. "And I feel like right now, he doesn't want it."
This perceived lack of want, according to the coach, manifests in a slight but noticeable drop in intensity—a margin that is all the difference at the pinnacle of the sport. Mouratoglou elaborated that the cumulative effect of a record-breaking career, the physical toll on his 37-year-old body, and the rise of a new generation of hungry rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner have created a perfect storm challenging Djokovic's dominance.
The 2026 Australian Open Exit Plan
Mouratoglou didn't just identify a problem; he proposed a specific timeline for a conclusion. He pinpointed the 2026 Australian Open, a tournament where Djokovic has enjoyed unprecedented success, as a logical endpoint. "My personal feeling... is that he's going to play the Slams for two more years, and he's going to stop after the Australian Open in 2026," he predicted.
The logic behind this theory is compelling. The Australian Open is Djokovic's most successful Slam, a place where he has hoisted the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup a record ten times. A final victory lap at Rod Laver Arena, the scene of his greatest triumphs, would provide a storybook ending to an illustrious career. Furthermore, it would allow him to tie the record for most Olympic gold medals in tennis, should he choose to compete in Paris 2024, and make a run at a second Davis Cup title for Serbia.
The Evidence of a Shift
Several factors in 2024 lend credence to the notion that Djokovic is navigating a new phase of his career:
- Early Season Struggles: His lack of a title before June was a rarity, highlighting increased vulnerability.
- The Rise of New Rivals: Losses to Sinner and Alcaraz have shown that the next generation has closed the gap.
- Physical Vulnerabilities: The knee injury at Roland-Garros, requiring surgery, underscores the physical challenges of aging.
- Shift in Public Statements: Djokovic has himself admitted to sometimes feeling "a bit flat" emotionally on court this season.
However, it is crucial to view these challenges in the context of Djokovic's entire career. He has repeatedly proven his ability to rebound from setbacks, often returning with a vengeance. His coach, Goran Ivanišević, has consistently spoken about Djokovic's unique ability to peak for the Grand Slams, suggesting that writing him off has always been a grave mistake.
The Legacy and What Remains to Achieve
Even with 24 majors, the question of motivation is tied to what goals remain. Djokovic has often spoken about his desire to:
- Extend his all-time record for most Grand Slam titles.
- Win an Olympic gold medal in singles in Paris this summer.
- Potentially play until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics at age 41.
These objectives provide a clear roadmap that could easily extend beyond Mouratoglou's 2026 prediction. The Olympic Games, in particular, represent the one significant honour that has eluded him, and a strong performance in Paris could reinvigorate his passion for the tour. Furthermore, the sheer pursuit of history—pushing the Grand Slam record to 25 or even 30—could fuel his competitive fire for years to come.
Ultimately, the only person who knows the answer is Novak Djokovic himself. While respected voices like Patrick Mouratoglou provide fascinating insight, Djokovic has made a career of defying expectations and timelines. His journey back from surgery and his performance upon return at Wimbledon and the Olympics will be the most telling indicator of whether the flame still burns as brightly or if, as Mouratoglou suggests, the greatest champion the men's game has ever seen is beginning to contemplate a final, glorious exit on his own terms.