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The arrival of Carlos Alcaraz as a bona fide contender for grand slams could mark the beginning of the end for Novak Djokovic.
Across the last five years and 17 tournaments, Djokovic has featured in 13 finals and won 10 of them – defeated at the death only by Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, and Alcaraz.
This year, Djokovic fell just shy of a clean sweep. He won the Australian Open, Roland-Garris, and the US Open. Alcaraz won Wimbledon.
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The Serbian is no spring chicken at 36 years old. Nevertheless, he is arguably in the best form of his life.
However, if Alcaraz or other up-and-comers turn the tide against Djokovic and consistently deprive him of wins then he’ll know it’s time to call it quits.
Speaking with Jon Wertheim on 60 Minutes, Djokovic detailed his retirement thought process.
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“For most athletes, their careers wind down,” said Wertheim.
“That doesn’t seem to be happening with you. When, when will you know it’s time?”
In reply, the 24-time grand slam winner explained: “That’s a very good question that I don’t have an answer to.
“Maybe the moment will become closer once I start not to win the grand slams and not to be able to be one of the main contenders for major titles.
“And once the young guys start kicking my butt, then I’ll probably, you know, start to rethink and question whether I should keep going.
“But for now, it’s all good.”
Retirement, it would seem, isn’t something that’ll come any time soon.
Djokovic has been remarkably injury-free while one of his primary rivals Rafael Nadal is plagued with problems at 37.
As for Alcaraz, Djokovic realises that the 20-year-old is a real threat.
In two finals appearances, he’s won both – claiming the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon in 2023.
The youngster is a scary prospect given his world-beating talent and age.
“He’s as complete of a player as I have seen in ages,” said Djokovic.
Wertheim posed a theory — “It was a disappointing day for you, but in a way this was energising that you had this young challenger.”
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Djokovic agreed, offering a scary caveat for his rivals that he’ll have to take another step up – if there is such a level to be reached.
“Yes it was,” he said. “You’re right because that pissed me off so much that I needed to win everything on American soil, which I did.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to reinvent myself and really push harder than I ever did.”
Djokovic will play the Australian Open in January where he’ll look to secure a record-extending 11th singles title.
