Novak Djokovic presented with a golden chance to seal the perfect retirement
Novak Djokovic celebrations
The end of Rafael Nadal’s career has stirred the emotions for tennis fans around the world in recent days, but it won’t be long before similar platitudes are flowing in Novak Djokovic’s direction.
Nadal made an emotional farewell to his home fans after losing to Jiri Lehecka on his final appearance at the Madrid Open, with the ceremony afforded to the greatest Spanish tennis player of all time befitting his legend.
“I had the opportunity to play one more time here on this court,” said Nadal afterwards. “It was a very special week for me, very positive and very emotional.
“The only thing I can say is ‘thank you’. It’s been an incredible journey that started when I was little. I came to Madrid for the first time in 2003, when the tournament was played indoors.
“The first time I came here feeling competitive was in 2005. It was one of the most exciting wins of my career, still indoors. Ever since the support has been unconditional from everyone. I cannot thank you enough.
“You have given me a gift for the last 21 years that’s more significant than any grand slam I have won. The emotions of playing in Madrid, in front of the Spanish fans, is something that will stay with me forever.”
It was stirring stuff from Nadal, but the final French Open he has doubtless dreamed about during the darkest moments of his injury battle now looks set to be beyond him.
As was the case when Federer called time on his glorious career with a farewell appearance at the 2022 Laver Cup, the emotions flowed as Nadal’s slightly more elongated exit from tennis edged closer.
Rafa’s last match looks increasingly certain to take place at some point this year and then, Djokovic will be the last of the iconic ‘Big Three’ still competing on the biggest stages in tennis.
Yet his departure from the sport has the potential to be laced with much more relevant glory.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic rolled the dice ahead of the French Open – and he has hit the jackpot
Federer’s knee problem meant his dreams of ending his career with a final Grand Slam total to add to his haul of 20 major wins was denied.
Now Nadal is limping towards the finish line with little prospect of a final win to crown his story as he battles a host of physical problems.
Meanwhile, the evergreen Djokovic is still the undisputed world No 1 and with Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev all struggling with injuries ahead of the French Open, he is the outstanding favourite to defend his Roland-Garros title at the age of 37.
The last few months may have given Sinner and Alcaraz hope that Djokovic can be toppled at the top of the men’s game, but the Serbian great must be looking at the injury issues currently being endured by his rivals and eyeing up a glorious summer of winning.
A seemingly fit and healthy Djokovic will use this week’s Italian Open as a warm-up for what really matters to his year, with his eyes firmly trained on victory at the French Open and then at Wimbledon.
The Olympic Games in Paris is another major focus for Djokovic this year, as he looks to win the one title that has eluded him over the course of his remarkable career.
If he were to to get his hands on another French Open title, back it up by getting his Wimbledon title back after last year’s defeat in the final and then win the Olympic gold medal on the Roland-Garros clay courts, Djokovic would have the perfect opportunity to end his tennis story on the ultimate high and finish his career as the greatest champion of all-time.
“There’s always a part of me who’s the young boy who just adores tennis, devoted his entire life to tennis and wants to keep going,” said Djokovic as he pondered retirement earlier this year.
“But I’m the father of two children and I’m away from my family; every time I travel for extended periods of time, it breaks my heart, so I’m always thinking about how much longer I should play, how many tournaments I should play, is it worth it?
“I do normally always have clarity, where I want to go, what are the goals, I know the goals are Grand Slams and Olympics, but other than that I have no idea where I want to play.”
Motivation is clearly waning for Djokovic outside of Grand Slam events and the Olympics, so we are about to enter the phase of this year that should see the greatest player of the modern era come out fighting after a tough start to 2024.
The question is, if he achieves everything on his wish list over the next few weeks, how will he be motivated to go for more?
With that in mind, Nadal might not be the only superstar of the sport calling time on his tennis career over the next few months.