In a surprising revelation, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has hinted that Novak Djokovic, one of the sport’s greatest players, may retire in less than a year. Kyrgios, who has shared both on-court rivalries and off-court moments with Djokovic, opened up about a recent conversation he had with the Serbian tennis legend at the 2025 Indian Wells. The Australian raised eyebrows with his prediction, suggesting Djokovic’s career may be nearing its end.
“I think he will soon retire. Come on, what’s left?” Kyrgios said in an interview, reflecting on his interaction with Djokovic at the popular tournament. The two players found themselves in the locker room, and Kyrgios could not resist asking the million-dollar question, “Why are you still here? Why are you still playing?” The answer he received from Djokovic was not only unexpected but also left Kyrgios speechless.
Djokovic’s response, consisting of just 10 words, stunned the 28-year-old Australian. Though Kyrgios did not disclose the exact words Djokovic used, the brief but powerful response seemed to carry a weight that left Kyrgios pondering the end of an era in tennis. Djokovic, who is currently one of the sport’s most dominant figures, has amassed a record number of Grand Slam titles, with his legacy cemented in tennis history.
However, despite his continued success, there have been growing whispers about the future of Djokovic’s career. At 37 years old, the Serbian has faced various challenges in recent years, including injury setbacks and the physical toll of a long and illustrious career. The demanding nature of professional tennis, combined with Djokovic’s extensive record, may be pushing him to contemplate his retirement.
Kyrgios’ candid observation adds fuel to the ongoing speculation regarding Djokovic’s future in tennis. Many fans and pundits have questioned how much longer the 22-time Grand Slam champion will continue playing, especially with younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner emerging on the scene. Djokovic’s decision to keep playing, despite an illustrious career, may now be in question as he begins to assess what lies ahead.
The Australian, who has had his fair share of controversies, has always been vocal about his opinions on tennis and its leading figures. His comments regarding Djokovic add to the growing narrative that the “Big Three” era—featuring Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal—is coming to an end. The sport has undergone a noticeable shift with new generations of players beginning to make their mark.
While Kyrgios’ statements regarding Djokovic’s potential retirement might seem premature, it raises an important question for tennis fans: How much longer can Novak Djokovic keep playing at the highest level? The Serbian icon has made it clear that he still enjoys competing, but the demands of the sport may eventually outweigh his desire to continue.
As Djokovic enters the twilight years of his career, the question of retirement looms larger than ever. Will he hang up his racquet soon, or does he have more to prove? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Djokovic’s legacy will remain unmatched in the world of tennis, no matter when he decides to retire.
For now, fans and players alike will continue to follow Djokovic’s journey, eagerly awaiting the next chapter of his remarkable career. Whether or not it’s the final chapter remains to be seen, but Nick Kyrgios’ insight into the locker room conversation at Indian Wells certainly suggests that the end could be closer than many think.
