Jessica Pegula’s Coach Predicts Timeline of Novak Djokovic’s Retirement Year

Novak Djokovic wasn't able to win any Grand Slams in 2025, and was thwarted every time in the semi-finals.

Jessica Pegula’s Coach Predicts Timeline of Novak Djokovic’s Retirement Year

Novak Djokovic (via Punto de Break)

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Novak Djokovic is not considering retirement anytime soon. According to former doubles world No. 1 Mark Knowles, the Serbian has plans to compete in both 2026 and 2027. The comments come amid speculation over his future, with some questioning how much longer he will remain on tour.

Djokovic recently celebrated his 38th birthday during his title run at the Geneva Open, which marked his 100th career singles crown. His ability to remain competitive at the highest level continues to set him apart, even as younger rivals dominate the spotlight. Mark Knowles said on Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast:

What I have heard is that Djokovic plans to play in 2026 and 2027. It is evident that he is not thinking of retiring at all. He likes challenges and still believes in himself. It is obvious that he is focused on winning his 25th Grand Slam. In other tournaments, we shouldn’t expect too much from him

This season, Djokovic reached the semi-finals at all four Grand Slam events. However, he was unable to take a set in any of those matches. Losses came against Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open and Jannik Sinner at both Wimbledon and Roland Garros, while a hamstring injury forced him to retire against Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semi-finals.

After his defeat to Alcaraz in New York, Djokovic admitted doubts about keeping pace with the new generation at majors. Yet, Knowles suggested on the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast that the Serbian is motivated to continue. For now, retirement talk remains premature.

Jessica Pegula reaches China Open semis

Jessica Pegula booked her place in the China Open semifinals with a comeback win over fellow American Emma Navarro. The fifth seed recovered after losing a tight first set and went on to dominate the match 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-1. She became the third American to reach the last four at this year’s event.

Jessica Pegula (via X/We Are Tennis)
Jessica Pegula (via X/We Are Tennis)

Pegula admitted she had to manage her emotions after missing six set points in the opener. She said staying calm and loosening up allowed her to find her rhythm. Once settled, she controlled play and closed out the final two sets with authority.

Her next opponent is 20-year-old Linda Noskova, who beat Britain’s Sonay Kartal 6-3, 6-4. With the win, Noskova became the youngest Czech player to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal since the format was introduced in 2009.

The other semifinal will be an all-American clash. Defending champion Coco Gauff will meet third seed Amanda Anisimova for a place in the final. The matchup ensures at least one American will be competing for the title in Beijing.

Novak Djokovic beats Marin Cilic in a historical Shanghai encounter

Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic returned to action 28 days after his US Open semi-final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz. The Serbian advanced to the third round of the Shanghai Masters 1000 with a 7-6(2), 6-4 win over Marin Cilic. It was Djokovic’s 20th career victory over the Croatian, who became the seventh player to suffer that many losses against him.

Novak Djokovic (via X/The Tennis Letter)
Novak Djokovic (via X/The Tennis Letter)

Their meeting also set a record at Masters 1000 level. With a combined age of over 75 years, Djokovic at 38 and Cilic at 37 became the oldest pair to contest a match in the history of the series. After sealing the win, Djokovic even addressed the Shanghai crowd with fluent Chinese, drawing loud applause.

Next up for the world No. 3 is Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, who advanced by defeating Frances Tiafoe. Djokovic credited his Spanish agent and stand-in coach, Carlos Gomez-Herrera, for his role in helping him manage the match. The win marked another step forward in Djokovic’s tailored season schedule.

Despite skipping major events in Madrid, Toronto, and Cincinnati, Djokovic holds third place in the Race to Turin with 4,230 points. That gives him an 885-point cushion over Lorenzo Musetti for the last qualifying spot at the ATP Finals. A seven-time champion at the year-end event, Djokovic last lifted the trophy in 2023 against Jannik Sinner. A potential rematch with the Italian could await in the Shanghai semifinals.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic Believes He Has ‘Better Chance’ to Beat Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in Masters 1000s