Djokovic Aims for Record 25th Grand Slam at Wimbledon Amid Retirement Speculation

WIMBLEDON, England – At every Grand Slam event, the inevitable question arises for Novak Djokovic: Is this his last appearance? The query surfaced again on Saturday at Wimbledon, and the 24-time major champion responded with his characteristic uncertainty.

"Whether it could be my 'last dance'," Djokovic began, echoing the reporter's words, "I'm not sure – as I'm not sure about Roland Garros or any other Slam that I play next."

The 38-year-old offered a mix of deflecting retirement speculation while remaining realistic about his current standing.

"My wish is to play for several more years. I would love to be healthy physically and also mentally motivated to keep on playing at the highest level," he stated. "That's the goal. But you never know at this stage."

Djokovic conceded that the All England Club presents a prime opportunity to secure a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.

"I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance, because of the results I had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon," said Djokovic, who will face Alexandre Muller in the first round on Tuesday. "Just getting that extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level."

Djokovic boasts seven Wimbledon championships, narrowly missing an eighth title after losses to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2023 and 2024 finals.

He has reached the final in his last six appearances at the tournament (which was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), winning in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. His last Wimbledon defeat prior to the Alcaraz matches was in the 2017 quarterfinals against Tomas Berdych.

The persistent questions surrounding Djokovic's future mirror similar inquiries faced by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams as they approached retirement.

Despite not winning a Grand Slam title in over a year, after claiming three in 2023, including the US Open, Djokovic remains a formidable contender.

He reached the semifinals at the Australian Open this January, withdrawing after one set due to a hamstring injury, and advanced to the French Open semifinals this month, losing to Jannik Sinner. Following that match, Djokovic kissed the court and suggested it might be his last appearance at Roland-Garros.

Djokovic also secured a gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympics, defeating Alcaraz.

"These tournaments give me the biggest drive, still," Djokovic said. "I like the way I feel right now, physically. Tennis-wise, I've been playing good on the practice sessions. Obviously completely different when you start a tournament. I'll try to have a very good tournament and go as far as I can."