Tennis Hall of Famer Steve Flink has suggested that Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, could consider retirement if he suffers an early exit at the 2025 US Open, which began on August 24, 2025. Flink stated that a surprising loss in the round of 16 or earlier might lead Djokovic to conclude “there is no point” in continuing, given his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Despite the 38-year-old’s storied career, recent physical struggles and a lack of competitive match play have fueled speculation about his future.
The Condition for Retirement
Flink’s bold prediction hinges on Djokovic’s performance in New York, where he is chasing a fifth US Open title to tie the Open Era men’s record. “If he came to New York and didn’t go that far and had a surprising loss in the round of 16, then I think he might think seriously,” Flink said. Djokovic, who last won a major at the 2023 US Open, has reached the semifinals of all three 2025 majors but faced setbacks, including a muscle tear forcing retirement against Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open and straight-set losses to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon and the French Open. His decision to skip tune-up events in Canada and Cincinnati raises concerns about his readiness.
Djokovic’s Current Form and Motivation
Djokovic, seeded seventh, entered the 2025 US Open without competitive matches since his Wimbledon semifinal loss to Sinner, relying on his history of peaking at majors. His teammate Dusan Lajovic noted that Djokovic’s early rounds often serve as a “warm-up,” but physical endurance remains a challenge against younger stars like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Despite this, Djokovic has dismissed immediate retirement plans, emphasizing his love for tennis and motivation to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, stating, “The only thing that motivates me is the Olympics.” However, Patrick McEnroe expressed doubts, saying, “Time’s running out” for another major, especially if Sinner or Alcaraz dominate.
Broader Context and Outlook
Djokovic’s potential retirement mirrors the career transitions of peers like Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, who retired in 2024. His pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam, surpassing Margaret Court’s record, is tempered by physical decline, with Flink arguing the milestone is less critical than Djokovic’s dominance over Federer and Nadal. Fans on X are divided, with one post stating, “Novak won’t quit unless he’s forced out. He’s too stubborn” (@DjokerFan, August 21, 2025). As Djokovic faces a favorable early draw but a potential Alcaraz semifinal, his US Open performance could define his legacy and future, akin to athletes like Luke Littler navigating high-stakes moments in darts.
