Novak Djokovic's season has not been bad at all, considering that the Serbian legend has won two titles (in Geneva and Athens) and has become the oldest player ever to have reached at least the semifinals in the four Grand Slam tournaments within the same season.
At the same time, the signs of age are beginning to affect Nole's performance, who has had more injuries than expected in recent months. When he reached the final stages of the Majors, which represent his main source of motivation at this stage of his career, the 38-year-old from Belgrade was often limited by physical problems and could not play his best tennis.
Djokovic is still very motivated
Despite the passage of time and the rise of young champions, the former world number 1 has never expressed his intention to retire and wants to be a protagonist again next year. The 24-time Grand Slam champion – who ended his 2025 season by lifting the trophy in Athens and forgoing the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin for the second year in a row – has already set his sights on the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 at Melbourne Park.
Novak's feeling with this tournament has always been really special and he will be looking for his 11th title there. The Serbian ace reached the semifinals at the AO again this year, after achieving a sensational feat against Spaniard champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
Djokovic attended the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix last weekend and – during a brief interview – confided that he is working to be ready for the 2026 season. "I've suffered too many injuries in the last few months, which is why I'm trying to regenerate my body so that the start of next year can be brilliant. I want to keep the same pace as the best and I am confident that I can succeed in this goal."
The former world No.1 has not lifted a Grand Slam trophy since the 2023 US Open.