Novak Djokovic Addresses Retirement After Admitting Biggest Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner Challenge

Novak Djokovic’s US Open journey ends with a tough pill to swallow. The 24-time Grand Slam champ aimed for his 25th, but second-seed Carlos Alcaraz was just too strong. Despite a solid fight, Nole fell short after the second-set tiebreak, losing 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to the young Spaniard. But Djokovic isn’t the only one feeling the heat this year.

He was candid about the challenges posed by two standout players this season. Djokovic reached the semifinals in all major titles of 2025, but Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz played at a level that tested him deeply.

Speaking to the press, Novak Djokovic said, “I lost 3 out of 4 slams in semis against these guys. So, they’re just too good, you know? Playing on a really high level.” He added, revealing what happened in his match against Alcaraz, “Unfortunately, I ran out of gas after the second set. I think I had enough energy to battle him and to keep up with his rhythm for two sets. After that, I was just out and he kept going, so.”

Novak Djokovic says Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz are too good:

“I lost 3 out of 4 slams in semis against these guys. They’re just too good.”

“Best of 5 makes it very very difficult for me to play them. Particularly at the end stages of Grand Slams.”

(via U.S. Open Press) pic.twitter.com/CFZTzAwW8g

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 5, 2025

Earlier this season, it was Sinner who stopped Djokovic twice—once at Roland Garros and then Wimbledon. “That’s kind of what I felt this year also with Jannik. Yeah, best of five makes it very, very difficult for me to play them. Particularly if it’s the end stages of the Grand Slam,” Novak noted, already looking ahead to his next shot at a major. But could there really be a next time?

It’s been a challenging year for the Serbian GOAT. He celebrated his 100th career title at Geneva before Roland Garros, but a major crown has eluded him since the 2023 US Open. With age and recurring injuries creeping in, questions about retirement naturally arise. Still, Djokovic remains firm: Retiring isn’t on his mind just yet.

After his tough Wimbledon loss in July, many wondered if Djokovic would return to Centre Court. But the seven-time champ dropped a determined hint: “Hopefully it’s not my last match on the Centre Court,” he said. “I’m not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. So I’m planning to come back definitely at least one more time, play on the Centre Court, for sure.”

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