Novak Djokovic is navigating one of the toughest stretches of his storied career and made his stance on retirement clear following an early departure from the Madrid Open.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the Men's Singles third round match at Roland Garros. © Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic of Serbia reacts against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the Men’s Singles third round match at Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic, widely regarded as one of tennis’ all-time greats, is experiencing a rare slump, struggling to string together consecutive victories. His early exit at the Madrid Open has fueled speculation about whether the 24-time Grand Slam champion might be nearing the end of his career. However, Djokovic didn’t leave much room for doubt when addressing the subject.

After a strong run at the Miami Open, where he fell just short of claiming his 100th ATP title thanks to Jakub Mensik, Djokovic failed to gain traction on clay. The Serbian star suffered first-match losses in both Monte Carlo, against Alejandro Tabilo, and Madrid, where Matteo Arnaldi bested him.

Now 37 years old and currently ranked No. 5 (soon to drop to No. 6 after being surpassed by Jack Draper), Djokovic reflected on his challenges during an interview with Business Traveler USA.

“Obviously, it’s challenging for me nowadays to produce the results I had when I was at my best. It doesn’t mean that I will never be able to do that again,” Djokovic explained. “But that greatness changes its shape, and that’s because you’re a different person on an annual basis, on a monthly basis, on a weekly basis”.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand against Matteo Arnaldi of Italy in the Men’s Singles Second Round match during the Madrid Open. (Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand against Matteo Arnaldi of Italy in the Men’s Singles Second Round match during the Madrid Open. (Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Despite his recent struggles, Djokovic made it clear that retirement isn’t on the horizon. “Tennis is a sport where it’s necessary to nurture that mentality of, It’s never enough. Because once it’s enough, then it’s really enough, and you have to put the racquet aside. And I still…I still don’t feel it’s enough for me,” he added.

Djokovic announces withdrawal from Masters of Rome

In a surprising decision, Djokovic has withdrawn from the Rome Open, ending an 18-year streak of consecutive appearances since his tournament debut in 2007. Since his debut, Novak Djokovic has captured the Rome Open title six times, compiling a 68-12 record through 2024. This makes him the tournament’s second-most successful player, trailing only Rafael Nadal, who holds 10 titles.

His withdrawal marks the first time the 24-time Grand Slam champion will miss the Italian Masters, leaving him with no clay-court victories heading into Roland Garros. His clay season includes first-round losses to Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo and Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid.

Chasing Grand Slam No.25

Djokovic’s ultimate focus remains on securing his 25th Grand Slam title, a feat that would set him apart as the sole record-holder in tennis history, surpassing Margaret Court’s 24 Major titles.

Former British World No. 1 Annabel Croft spoke on Djokovic’s uphill battle, emphasizing how difficult the road ahead has become. “We know that his total focus is on adding to that Grand Slam tally. He wants to become the greatest tennis player in terms of Grand Slam action ever,” Croft shared on Sky Sports Tennis.

“But it’s getting harder and harder, and actually, I always feel like he’s just gone a bit flat on the court as well. He just can’t find it, he can’t find that winning formula,” she added.