Novak Djokovic admits he’s been shocked by what’s happened to him since Rafael Nadal retired

Novak Djokovic is regarded by many as the greatest tennis player in the history of the sport, and with good reason.

After all, he burst onto the scene at a time when there was a duopoly like nothing ever seen before.

Tennis was in a stranglehold, with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal the perpetrators.

To prove his worth as one of the best, he not only had to climb the rankings but also somehow dethrone two unbeatable athletes who had dominated the sport for years.

So, it should come as no surprise that their subsequent retirements have left a void in Novak Djokovic’s desire to continue competing.

Novak Djokovic speaks about Rafael Nadal’s retirement

Speaking to Spanish outlet Punto de Break ahead of Nadal’s tribute ceremony at Roland Garros, Djokovic made some startling admissions.

After all, for a man who has never been short of motivation, he claimed that the Spaniard’s decision to depart the sport left him so stunned that it knocked his drive for tennis.

He revealed: ‘For me, it has been very difficult to maintain the motivation to compete after his retirement. Honestly, I didn’t think it would affect me in this way, but I feel that a part of me has gone with him and it has been a great challenge for me to recover the joy on the track and the strength to continue competing.

‘When Rafa left tennis, I felt something I had never experienced before. I thought, what do I do now? On the track I have felt discouraged, but, luckily, I have found other things that inspire me to continue and, after six months, I can say that I feel much better.’

Novak Djokovic is the last man standing from the Big Three

It almost feels like Djokovic can’t retire, because when he does his era of tennis will have officially ended.

Whilst the likes of Marin Cilic and Stan Wawrinka still feature on the tour, they do not still challenge like the 38-year-old does, or enjoy deep runs in elite competitions like him either.

He is in a league of his own, and it’s a testament to his motivation and physical condition that he’s managed to breed such longevity.

However, with Federer having retired in 2022, and Nadal just last year, Djokovic remains alone. Even Andy Murray, who actually coached the 24-time Grand Slam champion this year, retired in 2024 as well.

Djokovic and Murray have since parted ways though, coming to an amicable split after just six months working together.

The supreme Serbian presence within the sport is a comforting one, but no one can deny that he is slowing down. Playing fewer tournaments and challenging for fewer honours; it’s not where Djokovic wants to be.

Djokovic vs Nadal in-depth H2H record (ATP Events)

Mats Wilander even hinted at Djokovic’s retirement potentially coming this year, which would be a huge blow for the sport.

However, with his greatest rivals gone and almost all records broken, few could blame him for bowing out whilst still near enough to the top.