Novak Djokovic tipped to retire this year if three conditions are met for French Open star
Novak Djokovic has been tipped to call time on his career within the next 12 months.
Alex Corretja believes Novak Djokovic could retire from tennis if he fails to win the French Open, Wimbledon or the US Open this year. Djokovic is currently enduring a six-month barren spell, having failed to win a tournament since his ATP Finals triumph in November.
He fell short of winning this year's Australian Open title, losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. The Serb will be hoping to get back to winning ways at Roland Garros but looked some way off his best during his first-round victory over Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
Djokovic recently celebrated his 37th birthday and it remains to be seen how much longer he will stay at the top of his game before starting an inevitable decline. Corretja believes he could decide to end his career if he fails to win a Grand Slam this year, suggesting that he may lose his motivation in the absence of further success.
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"It’s a little bit challenging for him also because he overcame the record for Grand Slams," said Corretja on Eurosport. "Deep inside of his heart he might be fighting for that as well. Is it worth it to continue doing this, all the effort, all the commitment?
"I believe yes, but this year is going to be crucial for the rest of his career. I think he needs to win one more Major this year at least in order to feel he’s still hungry for that. If he doesn’t make it, I’m not so sure he’s going to be too happy to continue because he only likes to play if he can win Majors.
"I’m giving him the chance of this year to see what’s going on. But when you’re a winner, a legend like him, I’m always counting on him. I have no doubts Novak is still hungry."
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Djokovic no longer has many clear rivals, with Roger Federer retired and Rafael Nadal struggling to rediscover his pre-injury form in the latter stages of his career. Fabrice Santoro recently suggested that a lack of top competition may also contribute to Djokovic losing motivation after so many years at the peak of his powers.
"Novak has always had a hare," Santoro told Amazon Prime Video. "He had Roger, he had Rafa. He was always chasing someone. Where is the hare today? I do not see it. He no longer really has a guy he's chasing after because he's broken all the records.
"The hare is no longer there so perhaps there is a drop in motivation, or not. In any case, he will give us the answers in the coming weeks. There is a three-and-a-half-month block which will be crucial for him."
