Andre Agassi explains how Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s retirement might force an early exit from Novak Djokovic

Andre Agassi believes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's retirements from professional tennis will take an emotional toll on Novak Djokovic.

Andre Agassi explains how Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s retirement might force an early exit from Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, (in circle) Andre Agassi (via Reuters/TennisWorldItalia)

Rafael Nadal‘s retirement closed the chapter of the Big 3 dominance in men’s tennis. For over a decade, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Nadal competed fiercely on the court and were arch-rivals for each other.

But, with Federer and Nadal’s retirements, tennis icon Andre Agassi believes that will push Djokovic to hang his racket. In 2022, Federer bid tennis farewell after playing his final career match at the Laver Cup.

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Nadal joined the Swiss Maestro in retirement in November, after playing his last match at the Davis Cup Finals. The 38-year-old’s final match ended in a loss against Botic van de Zandschulp, which led to Spain’s elimination from the tournament.

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Meanwhile, Djokovic struggled for most of the 2024 season. His only triumph came when he won the elusive singles gold medal at the Paris Olympics. The Serbian failed to win a single tour-level title this year.

Djokovic finished the year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017. He has suffered many injuries and also lost his World No. 1 position to Jannik Sinner. Despite being keen on bouncing back in 2025, Agassi believes that Djokovic will soon follow in the footsteps of Nadal and Federer by retiring.

It’s not easy, especially when the people you entered the ‘dance’ with are gone. When Pete Sampras retired, it was a blow to me. It affected me. It forced me to rediscover my inspirations on some level. Djokovic lost the guys he made history with. So it’s likely that the emotional situation will get more and more difficult quickly, but I would never bet against him. You bet against him at your own risk.

Andre Agassi said during the Marathon Mindset at the TiE Global Summit

Djokovic played fewer matches in 2024 than his past two seasons. He has also recently stated that he will be focusing on Grand Slams and Masters 1000 tournaments going forward.

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Andre Agassi optimistic about Novak Djokovic’s partnership with Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic’s partnership with Andy Murray raised a lot of eyebrows in the tennis world. The duo, who were once rivals, have now teamed up for the first time. Murray recently retired after playing his final match at the Paris Olympics in August.

Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray (3)
Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray (Image via X)

Both legends are looking forward to starting their collaboration ahead of the 2025 Australian Open. However, Andre Agassi, who coached Djokovic between May 2017 and March 2018, has said that he is optimistic about the partnership.

In any coach-student relationship you need trust and trust can take time, but it’s nice when it starts with believing in somebody because you know that they know your experience.

Andre Agassi said (via Newsbyte)
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Djokovic is set to open his 2025 campaign at the Brisbane International, a tournament he has not taken part in since 2007. He is seeking to win his 11th Australian Open and 25th Grand Slam title early next year.