Why does Djokovic plan to consider retirement only in 2028? It’s related to his contract renewal with sponsors.

Many people currently know that Djokovic will only think about retiring in 2028, but few realize that this is strongly influenced by sponsor demands during contract renewal!

After winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics last year, some said that retiring then would have been the most dignified moment for the Serbian star—having fulfilled his mission, with Grand Slam and tour titles increasingly out of reach, and having completed the Golden Slam, leaving with no regrets. But Djokovic outright refused.

Calls for Djokovic’s retirement reached near historic heights after he lost to Sinner in this year’s Wimbledon semifinal!

The reason is that after losing his stronghold at the Australian Open, Wimbledon was seen as Djokovic’s last best chance to claim his 25th Grand Slam title. If he lost there too, retirement seemed imminent, and the purpose of continuing would be questioned!

At that time, some outsiders had such thoughts based on Djokovic’s previous statements—that as long as he remains on the court, he believes he still has a chance to win a Grand Slam; only when he completely loses competitiveness will retirement be considered.

Now that the four Grand Slams are firmly dominated by Sinner and Alcaraz, and Djokovic finds it hard even to reach the finals, people naturally worry whether he might retire early.

Some may think that for a 38-year-old veteran to reach the semifinals in all four Grand Slams this year is impressive, but for Djokovic, just reaching the semifinals is not his goal. His sole aim is to reach the Grand Slam finals and claim that 25th major to become the all-time greatest. It’s that simple.

Moreover, despite his form being clearly better than last year, Djokovic has yet to reach a Grand Slam final this season to keep his title hopes alive. Next year, at 39, conquering Grand Slams will undoubtedly be extremely challenging.

Additionally, American legend and “Ice Maiden” Evonne Goolagong once expressed skepticism about Djokovic winning another Grand Slam.

“I would never underestimate him, but I’d be surprised if he wins again. You have to admit he’s incredible, holding more titles than anyone else. I’m not saying he can’t win, but if he does, it would be a shock—more like a delightful surprise. Based on his recent results, I think the chances are slim.” Evonne said recently as a TNT commentator, bluntly stating that even if Djokovic’s fierce ambition remains, his chances of winning a Grand Slam again are low.

His performances on court, along with veteran experts’ experience-based opinions, seem to have sealed the verdict on Djokovic’s prospects for winning another Grand Slam. Securing the 25th title looks extremely difficult.

Therefore, some compare Djokovic’s situation to Nadal’s last phase, when losing the ability to compete for majors led to retirement speculation. They guess next year might be Djokovic’s last gamble; if no hope remains, “he will likely announce retirement soon, ending the era of the Big Three and becoming a tennis legend.”

However, another American tennis great, Andy Roddick, holds a different view. On his podcast, he emphasized that those always predicting Djokovic’s retirement should be quiet because the Serbian star hasn’t lost competitiveness yet.

“He will definitely come back at least one more time.” Roddick believes that while Djokovic might find it hard to win two or more Grand Slams in a year like in his prime, given his semifinal appearances at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open this year, winning at least one Grand Slam is still possible. He has never doubted Djokovic’s ability in this regard.

Roddick’s remarks also indirectly confirm another fact: sponsors still have faith in the Serbian star.

After renewing his contract with Lacoste, they made a demand to Djokovic: he must compete at least until 2028, “to stand on the court at the Los Angeles Olympics.”

This information revealed by the media sends two key messages: first, Djokovic will definitely not retire before 2028 and is determined to pursue his 25th Grand Slam title, which he has personally confirmed; second, his competitiveness maintains his commercial value, or Lacoste wouldn’t pay him over $9 million annually in endorsements.

Djokovic’s former coach Becker, when discussing the 25th Grand Slam, also believes the Serbian star still trusts in his ability to perform at majors.

“Djokovic is a realist. He’s still playing because he wants to win 25 Grand Slams and become the sole record holder.” Becker’s message is clear: Djokovic has made winning the 25th major a must-achieve goal. Even facing strong young rivals like Sinner and Alcaraz won’t shake his resolve. The revolution is not over; Djokovic’s retirement won’t happen before 2028!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moon River’s Starry Sky)