Tennis fans are bracing for a new era, and it’s not an easy transition. With Roger Federer already retired and Rafael Nadal set to play his swan song after the Davis Cup, the “Big 3” is now down to one: the indomitable Novak Djokovic. But just as fans cling to Djokovic as their last tie to the legendary trio, former American great Patrick McEnroe has made a jaw-dropping prediction—Djokovic’s own retirement might not be far off either. Could we be looking at the final chapters of the Djokovic legacy soon?

McEnroe engaged in an interview with the Tennis Channel’s Inside In podcast on October 24. He deliberated on a wide range of topics including Rafael Nadal’s legacy Carlos Alcaraz’s growing impact and the WTA Finals which is due in almost a week. But what caught the attention of the fans was his prediction about Djokovic when asked about what could be the tennis great looking forward to in his career. 

Speaking in the interview, McEnroe said, “I think this will be his last year. I think he sees right it on the wall, and it’s gonna be very tough to win more majors.” Djokovic has remained in a dominant form across all surfaces but has failed to convert it into a title win this season. Other than the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Nole has failed to emerge victorious in any tournament so far this year. He was ousted from the Semi-finals of the Australian Open, the Finals of Wimbledon, and the third round of the US Open. In the French Open, he suffered from a torn medial meniscus in his right knee that forced him to withdraw from the tournament. McEnroe also highlighted these and shed light on his current spot. 

Continuing further in the interview, McEnroe said, “It’s certainly as you said, you know he just got the finals. If the Australian Open starts tomorrow, he is the third favorite and that’s pretty sad.” However, McEnroe did not fail to laud the potential of the 37-year-old. “I think he is obviously still in the mix, there is no doubt he can win in the Australian (Open), as he won in the Olympics on clay which was amazing. Yes, he can win one or two more. Novak knows in a big spot he can still be there and as long as he thinks he’s got a shot, I believe he will play.” Indeed, Nole’s sensational campaigns cannot be ignored completely.

Despite undergoing knee surgery after the French Open, Djokovic bounced back. He did not just clinch the runner-up title in Wimbledon but also won the Olympic gold. He also depicted immense strength at the Shanghai Masters and reached the finals yet again. Interestingly, this is not the first time when Djokovic’s retirement discussions have gained attention.

Soon after Nole clinched the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, speculations about his retirement grew even more. Chris Evert even claimed that if Nole clinches his 25th Grand Slam in New York, he might sign off from the sport. “I think if he wins the 25th major, I would think he would leave the game. I mean, I don’t know, he would break that tie with Margaret Court. He’s won the Olympics. That was such a big goal for him.” But Djokovic seems to have no plans to retire anytime soon, as he opened up about the discussions recently. 

When Novak Djokovic shut down rumors of his retirement in style

Novak Djokovic’s failure to win a title this season and the injury woes that he faced raised a lot of speculations if he would follow the same path as Nadal and bid adieu to the sport soon. But amidst these growing speculations, Nole himself seems to have no such plans and he wishes to keep dazzling the courts for some more time.

In an interaction with the Argentinian publication La Nacion in October this year, Djokovic said, “Deep inside I feel that I still have more Grand Slams to win. What still pushes me to compete, especially in the Grand Slams, is the feeling that I can be a candidate to win it. And also for my country. I love playing the Davis Cup for Serbia.” He also revealed that he is motivated to continue playing more and avoid the rumors of his retirement. 

“Some people think I should keep going as long as I still think I can be the favorite for a Grand Slam. I think more like them. Maybe I will change my mind, I don’t know.” But for now, the tennis great wishes to just “keep going.” Will Djokovic change his mind anytime soon making McEnroe’s prediction true? Well, that remains to be seen but until then, fans will surely cherish watching the legend on the courts.