Roger Federer’s former coach warns there is ‘bad news’ coming for the rest of the ATP Tour once Novak Djokovic retires

Novak Djokovic has enjoyed another remarkable season on the ATP Tour, in which he claimed his 100th career title.

The Serbian won in Geneva in May, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in the final of the ATP 250 event just days after his 38th birthday.

Djokovic was the oldest winner of the tournament, and became the first man in the Open Era to win a title in 20 different seasons.

There is, however, some uncertainty as to how long he will continue playing, with Djokovic not entirely happy with tennis in the modern era.

Tim Henman says Djokovic can retire when he wants, but that decision doesn’t look like arriving anytime soon.

Roger Federer’s old coach warns of ‘bad news’ once Novak Djokovic retires from tennis

The legend’s recent efforts have now been analysed by Roger Federer’s old coach Paul Annacone, who was tasked with putting Djokovic’s ATP Finals feats into perspective.

He has just qualified for the event for the 18th time, tying with Roger Federer, with the Serbian first managing the feat at the age of 20.

READ MORE: Taylor Fritz shares what it is actually like to play against Novak Djokovic after winning their Six Kings Slam match

Annacone said: “I’ve been scratching my head for a number of years, and this is just another one of those stats.

More Tennis News

“It’s always so hard when you look at what our icons are able to do, you look at what they do and the way they do it, and you take it for granted.

“The bad news is, everyone that comes after them, they then get compared to that. So it’s going to be a struggle.

“The guy’s just been amazing. He’s just rewriting the record books. But the big question is, will he be there?”

Such doubt is understandable given Djokovic’s current fitness levels, and indeed the fact that he withdrew from last year’s ATP Finals with injury.

Steve Johnson analyses Novak Djokovic’s latest season on the ATP Tour

Fortunately for the other ATP Tour players, Djokovic isn’t planning on retiring soon, although at the same time it may worry them given he is still more than capable of competing at the highest level.

The Serbian has claimed one title in the 2025 season so far, and has qualified for the ATP Finals despite playing in just 12 tournaments.

Moreover, he reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams, and currently occupies fifth place in the world rankings.

Analysing the veteran’s latest season, former player Steve Johnson said: “It’s been good, but not good enough to where he’s wanted to be. By anybody else’s standards other than his own, it’s been a great year.

“Has made semis of all the Slams, he just hasn’t gotten to number 25, which I believe is the only thing that he is still kind of reaching for at this point in his career.”

Reaching that record milestone is seemingly top of Djokovic’s list of priorities, with his next chance arriving at the 2026 Australian Open.

And that may just represent his best chance of success, with the Serbian’s 10 titles in Melbourne more than any other player in the history of the sport.

Click here to read article