The recently concluded Australian Open 2025 provided tennis fans with high-octane drama, but it also served as a stark reminder that the era of the Big Three is nearing its end. Novak Djokovic, the last active member of the legendary trio that included Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, reached the semi-finals in Melbourne. However, his journey was cut short due to injury, sparking fresh discussions about his future in the sport.
A Painful Exit and Retirement Speculation
Djokovic, 37, struggled with visible pain throughout the tournament, especially during his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz. Many speculated that he was exaggerating his injury, with tennis legend John McEnroe even suggesting that Djokovic might have been using mind games to unsettle his opponents. However, when he retired hurt after the first set of his semi-final against Alexander Zverev, the reality of his condition became evident.
The Rod Laver Arena crowd, surprisingly, booed Djokovic as he withdrew from the match. It took Zverev’s intervention to remind the audience to respect a legend of the sport. Later, Djokovic silenced doubters by sharing a scan of his torn hamstring on social media. ESPN analyst Chris Fowler described it as a deep tear and predicted that Djokovic would be sidelined for months, likely making his comeback at the French Open in May.
Djokovic’s Father Urges Retirement
In an interview with GQ Sports, Djokovic made a surprising revelation—his father has been urging him to retire. “I feel like people are already writing my tennis obituary,” he said. “The media, the fans… and I don’t know if he’ll like me saying this, but I’ll say it anyway: the first one doing it is my father.”
Djokovic explained that while his father is not forcefully insisting on his retirement, he frequently questions why his son continues to endure the physical and mental strain of professional tennis. “He understands the amount and intensity of the pressure and tension out there, and the stress that affects my health, my body, and everyone around me. That’s why he told me: ‘My son, start thinking about how you want to end this’,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion added.
What’s Next for Djokovic?
Djokovic’s age and injuries have played a crucial role in his recent performances. In 2024, he failed to win a single Grand Slam title, a rarity for the Serbian ace. However, he still managed to capture a historic Olympic gold medal in Paris, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
With Federer retired and Nadal unlikely to play a full schedule, Djokovic remains the last standard-bearer of an era that redefined tennis. While his father and many fans believe it’s time to step away, Djokovic himself seems determined to continue. The question now is: how and when will he write the final chapter of his legendary career?
