Patrick Mouratoglou delivers his verdict on when Novak Djokovic will retire from tennis
Novak Djokovic has struggled for form recently, losing his last three matches on the ATP Tour.The 24-time Major champion began his season in fine form, enjoying a strong run to the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Retiring with injury, Djokovic’s search for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title came to an end, as he looked to bounce back in the Middle East.
His return from injury was an unsuccessful one, as Djokovic lost to Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the Qatar Open, experiencing his first career defeat against the Italian star.
Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Djokovic then traveled to the United States for the Masters 1000 tournament at Indian Wells, where he suffered another shock defeat.
World number seven Djokovic lost to Lucky Loser Botic van de Zandschulp in three sets, 2-6, 6-3, 1-6.
The Serb’s poor run of form has left many questioning how long he has left at the top of men’s tennis, as one top WTA coach now shares his thoughts.
Patrick Mouratoglou thinks Novak Djokovic will retire within four years
On Instagram, Naomi Osaka’s coach Patrick Mouratoglou was asked whether he thought Djokovic would retire later than Roger Federer did.
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“False,” said Mouratoglou.
“Novak Djokovic will end his career earlier than 41 years old, I think, but it all depends on his motivation.
“I don’t feel his motivation is going to last four more years.”
Federer retired from tennis shorty after his 41st birthday, following the conclusion of the 2022 Laver Cup tournament.
The Swiss star played alongside his friend and rival Rafael Nadal in the final match of his career, as the pair fell to defeat against the American duo of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.
Djokovic’s coaching partnership with Andy Murray has been a big talking point this year, as the pair re-united for the 37-year-old’s first-round loss at Indian Wells.
Mouratoglou is unsure of the relationship, as he said that only results will prove whether Murray is indeed a ‘great coach.’
“I can not answer the question,” he said.
“He has everything to be a good coach, but only time will tell and results will tell.”
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Djokovic will hope Murray can guide him to victory in his next appearance on the ATP Tour, at the Miami Open later this month, a tournament he’s won six times before.
2007 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Guillermo Canas
2011 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal
2012 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray
2014 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal
2015 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray
2016 Miami Open F – Novak Djokovic beat Kei Nishikori
Novak Djokovic could become the oldest Grand Slam champion in tennis history later this year
Talks of retirement for Djokovic are perhaps unsurprising, considering the limited success players of his age have experienced over the years.
Just one player in the history of men’s tennis has won a Major title at 37 years old, and none have at 38, the age Djokovic would be if he were to win the French Open later this year.
Rank Name Age Tournament
1 Novak Djokovic 38 years, 3 months 2025 US Open*
2 Novak Djokovic 38 years, 1 month 2025 Wimbledon*
3 Novak Djokovic 38 years 2025 French Open*
4 Ken Rosewall 37 years, 1 month 1972 Australian Open
5 Roger Federer 36 years, 5 months 2018 Australian Open
6 Ken Rosewall 36 years, 4 months 1971 Australian Open
7 Novak Djokovic 36 years, 3 months 2023 US Open
8 Novak Djokovic 36 years 2023 French Open
9 Rafael Nadal 35 years, 11 months 2022 French Open
10 Roger Federer 35 years, 10 months 2017 Wimbledon
ATP oldest Grand Slam champions [Open Era]
Any Grand Slam victory this year would see Djokovic break the record, a remarkable achievement for someone likely approaching the end of their career.
Djokovic will no doubt hope to prove age is just a number when Grand Slam tennis returns at the French Open on Sunday, May 25.
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