Father Srdjan Djokovic expresses doubt about Novak Djokovic’s career after advising him to retire amid poor run of form

World No.7 Novak Djokovic had one of the most disappointing seasons in 2024 as he failed to win a title on the ATP Tour.

Father Srdjan Djokovic expresses doubt about Novak Djokovic’s career after advising him to retire amid poor run of form

Srdjan Djokovic, Novak Djokovic (Images via Marca, X)

Novak Djokovic doesn’t want to retire from tennis, but, like in every sport, he too will have to hang up his racket one day. He had one of the best seasons in 2023, clinching three Grand Slam titles, among others.

The following year, however, Djokovic was trophyless on the tour, reaching just one final, at Wimbledon. The Olympic gold medal was the only title he clinched.

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Amidst his poor run of form, Djokovic’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, had urged him to retire but the 24-time Grand Slam champion backed himself and continued to play. He still believed that he had the ability to win more Majors. The 2025 season, however, was no different as he is still struggling to play matches because of an increase in injury woes.

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Last year I told him not to play tennis. He told me: ‘Dad, let me do what I love’. Whatever he does for the rest of his career, he will be the best in the world. Enjoy Novak, I don’t know how much longer he will play.

Srdjan Djokovic said during an event in Belgrade

A hamstring injury had denied the Serbian great a chance to go for his 25th Major at the Australian Open as he was forced to withdraw from the semifinal. He then expressed an uncertainty about another appearance at the Melbourne Slam. Djokovic made his comeback at the Qatar Open but was eliminated due to his first-round defeat to Matteo Berrettini.

Novak Djokovic to participate at Indian Wells Open next

Following disappointments in three ATP events, Novak Djokovic will shift his focus to the season’s first ATP 1000 tournament, the Indian Wells Masters. Djokovic will be entering the tournament to bid for his 100th ATP title.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (via Instagram)

He, along with Roger Federer, is the most successful player in the history of men’s events at Indian Wells with five titles. His first title came in 2008 with his win over Mardy Fish in the final.

Djokovic then went on to emerge triumphant in 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016. But since 2016, Djokovic never progressed to the final. The 37-year-old is set to make his second appearance in the tournament since 2019.

Last year, the 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a three-set defeat to Luca Nardi in the second round. Even though it’s tough to predict the outcome whenever it involves Djokovic, he clearly won’t be entering the tournament as a favorite to win because the hamstring injury could end up affecting his game. The main draw of this year’s Indian Wells is scheduled to start on March 5.