Novak Djokovic had already achieved incredible success in tennis before the Olympic Games this year. With multiple major wins, Masters 1000 titles, year-end No 1 rankings, and other impressive accolades, Djokovic was already a record holder in many aspects of the sport. Despite all this, he had made it clear that winning the gold medal was a crucial goal for him. Just a few weeks ago, he accomplished this goal with a remarkable performance against Carlos Alcaraz.
Looking ahead, one possible motivation for Djokovic in the later stages of his career could be to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 major titles and become the player with the most major singles titles in history – regardless of gender.
In a recent interview with ESPN, 18-time major winner Chris Evert shared her thoughts on what winning a 25th major title would mean for Djokovic and how it could impact his retirement plans:
“I think if he wins the 25th major, I would think he would leave the game. I mean, I don’t know, he would break that tie with Margaret Court. He’s won the Olympics. That was such a big goal for him, winning the Olympics. As far as winning the US Open, does the 25th mean as much? Can he get that energy going as much as he got in the Olympics? He’s going to come up against, again, some really tough competition. Can he do it two times in a row, the Olympics and the US Open? I would allow him to retire after that, I would say ‘Okay, you have everybody in the world’s permission to retire’ (laughter).”
I think if he wins the 25th major, I would think he would leave the game. I mean, I don’t know, he would break that tie with Margaret Court.
Evert on a possible 25th major title for Djokovic
