Boris Becker has predicted that Novak Djokovic will not retire after this year's Wimbledon, instead targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as his final tournament. Writing in The Telegraph, Becker, who coached Djokovic between 2013 and 2016, expressed confidence that the 39-year-old Serbian still has the mental fortitude to compete at the highest level on grass.
Djokovic Advances to Fourth Round
Djokovic secured his place in the fourth round of Wimbledon on Friday after a grueling four-hour battle against Arthur Rinderknech. The former world number one took a two-set lead before the Frenchman fought back, winning the third set 6-1 and pushing Djokovic to a tie-break in the fourth. Djokovic ultimately prevailed in the tie-break, winning 7-6(4) to seal victory. He now faces qualifier Roman Safiullin as he chases a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title and an eighth Wimbledon crown, tying Roger Federer's record.
Becker: Grass Courts Favor Mental Strength
Becker dismissed concerns about Djokovic's age, stating that Wimbledon's grass courts reward intelligence over physical prowess. 'I wouldn't rule it out [Djokovic winning this year]. Even if he has lost half a step since his peak years as an athlete, this tournament is all about the mind,' Becker wrote. 'Grass-court tennis tests your mental strength and your temperament like no other surface. On clay, if you miss a break point, you don't need to worry too much: there will be another one along in a minute. But on grass, you might only get one chance per set. This sorts the men from the boys. And Novak isn't just a grown up; he is the elder statesman of the game.'
Becker added: 'At 39, he will not be the fastest or the strongest player in the draw anymore. But Wimbledon favours the smartest players ahead of the finest physical specimens.'
Retirement Timeline and Motivation
Becker predicted Djokovic will continue playing for at least two more Wimbledons and target the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles as his final event. 'As for how long he will carry on, my money is on the 2028 Olympics in LA,' Becker said. 'The only problem is that the regular tour has come to bore him. If you've won 24 majors, what's your motivation for fitting in another Miami Open?'
Becker expressed concern that Djokovic's many off-court interests could distract him from tennis. 'The danger is that, because Novak has so many other interests, sometimes they take him away a little bit from tennis. He will really need to discipline himself to make it to LA '28. But I'm hoping – for the sport's sake – that he gets there.'
Djokovic: Age Is Just a Number
After his second-round win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic downplayed concerns about his age. 'I'm feeling great,' he said. 'I've said this so many times before that I try not to take these moments for granted when playing on the Centre Court of Wimbledon. It was the childhood dream tournament, I've always said that and it has always stayed as that. I feel very privileged to be walking out on this court at age 30 plus. I don't think it's a cliche because I actually believe it is true, but age is just a number.'
