Novak Djokovic’s wife Jelena told her husband he wouldn’t be able to resist the lure of tennis after he sensationally threatened to quit the game – an urge she continues to be proved right about. Djokovic ultimately soldiered on to become a true sporting icon and has recently dropped a hint that he could play well into his 40s.

The former world No. 1 has won a men’s record 24 Grand Slam singles titles and is widely viewed as one of the sport’s greatest ever players. Djokovic has, however, failed to win a Grand Slam since the 2023 US Open. The Serb has reached the semi-finals of all four major tournaments this year but turns 39 next year and has been plagued by injuries throughout 2025, sparking fresh suggestions that he could retire. Djokovic actually came close to calling time on his legendary tennis journey seven years ago before making a stunning resurgence. At that time, Djokovic had only secured half of his major championships haul, with a combination of recurring injuries and growing frustrations seeing him briefly turn his back on the game.

Jelena recounted the emotional chapter in a 2020 conversation, saying: “He wanted to quit. He gathered all the members of his team and told them, ‘You know what, I’m done, I’m quitting.’ We cried and told him that he couldn’t do it, that it wasn’t the right time.

“He didn’t want to play tennis, and he didn’t even want to see a ball pass in front of him.” Djokovic even alerted his sponsors that he was retiring, only for Jelena to remind him just how much tennis means to him, spurring on his U-turn.

The persuasive powers of Jelena and their children, Stefan and Tara, reignited his desire to return. “He didn’t want to know anything about it,” Jelena said. “But I love tennis and I take the kids to the court every day. On the third day, Novak arrived.

“He saw we were having fun, and it wasn’t the intense training he was accustomed to for years. Novak asked me if he could play and get a racket, but I refused.

“I started teasing him, saying he had quit and now it was our turn to play tennis. Eventually, he served and felt good, then returned daily until he finally called his coach Marian Vajda to start training again.”

His decision to resume playing became one of the greatest comebacks in tennis history. He added 12 more major titles to his resume, reaching a staggering and record-equalling 24 Grand Slams.

To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or tennis newsletter

Djokovic has now poured cold water on his retirement coming anytime soon. The tennis hero delivered a message of defiance over his future while speaking at an event held at the Joy Forum in Saudi Arabia ahead of the recent Six Kings Slam.

Claiming he would like to play on until he was 40, which he doesn’t turn until May 2027, he said: “Longevity is one of my biggest motivations and I really want to see how far I can go. You see across all the global sports, you know, LeBron James is still going strong.

“Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady played until he was 40. I want to keep going. I also want to live, I mean keep on playing professionally, to see the change that is coming for our sport and I’m super excited about it.”

Then challenged about retirement, Djokovic added: “It’s not happening. I’m sorry to disappoint them. It’s just not happening.” Speculation is rife, however, that 2026 will mark the end of his storied career.

Former world No.1 doubles player Rennae Stubbs has suggested that Djokovic may choose to bow out after January’s Australian Open. “I feel like the Australian Open is going to be his last major tournament to play,” she said via GB News.

“I don’t think he wants to keep playing after that and have to go through the French Open. I feel like the Australian Open would be a great way to finish his career. It’s where his Grand Slam titles started.”

Djokovic has given mixed signals on his future. After being knocked out of this year’s French Open, he suggested he may never play at Roland Garros again. “This could have been the last match I ever played here, so I don’t know,” he told the fans after his defeat to Jannik Sinner.

Yet only recently Djokovic also suggested that he will be playing at next year’s Paris Masters after missing this year’s event. His comment suggests he is preparing to play on for much longer, perhaps realising that he loves the game too much to walk away from, as he did in 2018.

Taking to X, the Serbian wrote: “Dear Paris, unfortunately I’ll not compete at this year’s @RolexPMasters. I have amazing memories and great success over the years, especially being able to conquer the title seven times. Hope to see you next year. Merci.”