Boris Becker states what Novak Djokovic now ‘has to realise’ about his future after losing to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon

The Serbian’s sole remaining mission within the sport is clear, and his continued presence within the sport is centred around it.

However, he faces two stumbling blocks that he seemingly cannot surpass, particularly with Jannik Sinner.

The Italian has won his last five matches against the legendary veteran, and along with Carlos Alcaraz, this duo have won all of the last seven majors.

It’s clear why Djokovic is sticking around, but Becker is starting to question it.

Boris Becker delivers hard truth to Novak Djokovic

Speaking on his podcast with Andrea Petkovic, he began by stating: “That’s the big question now, because to win a Grand Slam, he probably has to beat both [Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner].

“That’s how it was with Wimbledon, and he said Wimbledon was the tournament where he had his best chance of winning a Grand Slam.

“As a reminder, he has already won the tournament seven times. He’s now reached the semifinals of Wimbledon 14 times, just imagine. That’s so absurd, it’s an insane number.”

However, the German then turned from adulation into advice, continuing: “He also has to realise, yes, he did injure himself a bit on match point against [Flavio] Cobolli, but at 38, you get injured more easily.

“Against [Jannik] Sinner, in the first two sets, I think he was relatively fit. Sinner, of course, was the better player, because for me, Sinner is Djokovic 2.0; he’s another version of Djokovic, 15 years younger. Novak knows that, too.

“I’m glad he reached the semifinals; he played a great tournament, but is that enough for him?

“He’s still playing tennis because he wants to win 25 Grand Slams, to become the sole record holder.

“But it must be said that on their good days, Sinner and Alcaraz are better than Djokovic is on his good days. That frustrates him, but he’s a realist.

“The question is, how realistic are the chances he’ll win another Grand Slam now, because time is running out for him?”

Novak Djokovic continues to be a threat at the top of men’s tennis

It seems strange that people are questioning the decision for Djokovic to keep playing tennis, when this year he has reached the semi-finals of all three Grand Slams.

For most on tour, that would represent their best-ever season. For the 24-time Grand Slam winner, it is not enough.

But, if he remains ever-present and continues to reach these latter stages, he at least puts himself in contention.

Eventually, one of Alcaraz or Sinner will have to fall early, giving him the opportunity to claim that elusive 25th title whilst only having to play one of them.

At Wimbledon, had Djokovic beaten the eventual champion, the Spaniard would have awaited him in the final. He had lost the last two finals to him, and so to overcome both of them in one event would’ve been near-impossible.

He needs a little luck, but if he keeps himself present, he gives himself a chance. He’ll likely continue doing this either until he gets that slice of luck or his body no longer lets him. Regardless, a figure as legendary as he has earned that right.