Novak Djokovic’s family fuel rumours he is preparing to retire from tennis

Novak Djokovic looks set to follow Rafa Nadal out of the sport bringing an end to the era of the Big Three, according to the Serbian’s family.

Novak Djokovic could be set to retire

The era of the ‘Big Three’ could soon be done and dusted.

With Rafa Nadal set to retire after the Paris Olympics in 2024 and Roger Federer calling time last year, their great rival Novak Djokovic could be set to join them, according to the 23-time champion’s father Srdjan who believes the time is right.

Djokovic, 36, remains one of the greatest tennis talents in the world and has won two out of the three slams played this year, but with new rivals at least 15 years his junior finding a way to beat him, it seems the writing could be on the wall.

Earlier this month Djokovic was beaten by 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. The Spaniard is one of few to overcome the Serb, but he’s shown the rest of the tour that it is possible.

It was Djokovic’s first defeat on the All England Club’s Centre Court in 10 years.

“As far as my wishes for him go, he has already fulfilled them all seven/eight years ago,” Srdjan Djokovic said in a new documentary named Novak Djokovic – Untold Stories.

Novak Djokovic’s father believes is son is close to retirement

“I think for some time that he should have stopped working this extremely difficult job.

“The rest is this amazing bonus, tennis is only one segment of his life, not his whole life.

“I expect him to be recognised for the things he will do after his career ends as well, after he leaves the tennis world, which I hope it will happen next year. And for Novak to slowly but surely… it’s not the end, but in a year-½ let’s say.

“My wish as a father – I think for some time that he should have stopped working this extremely difficult job. It’s physically and mentally challenging and very demanding – with him being fully dedicated for 30 years, and not taking his foot off the gas, there is not much time for other things in life.”

Novak Djokovic reacts to his defeat by Spain's Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon

After winning the French Open in May, Djokovic was asked what his future looked like.

His answer was telling.

“The desire is still there, but things can change quickly – I am 36, I’ve been a pro for 20 years,” he said.

With fatigue catching up with him, Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Toronto Masters due to fatigue, Tennis Canada said on Sunday.

His withdrawal deprives the US Open tune-up tournament that starts on August 7 of a four-time champion.

“I have always enjoyed my time in Canada, but after speaking with my team, we believe this is the right decision to take,” Djokovic said in a statement released by Tennis Canada.

Adding to calls for Djokovic to bring an end to his illustrious career is him mum Dijana.

“It’s all up to him,” she said in the same documentary. “As far as I’m concerned, he can retire right now – he has won everything.”

Originally published as Novak Djokovic’s family fuel rumours he is preparing to retire from tennis