Tennis fans like to watch their heroes exit the game at a high level. Realistically, that is difficult to attain as many are playing longer, into their late 30s, including the greatest of all time, Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic suffered a tough loss at the Cincinnati Open on August 15. It was difficult to watch as in addition to looking rusty from limited play, he had issues with the heat.
MORE: Serena, Venus Williams face intriguing R1 match at 2026 Cincinnati Open
He later talked about his persistent problems with heat and humidity. Heat is a factor in the majority of the ATP tennis matches except for the rare indoor ones. Can Djokovic continue to play through his intended retirement date, at the LA 2028 Olympics?
Grand Slams are where he is at his best
Somehow he manages to play relatively well at Grand Slams. Perhaps it is because he is a legend and knows how to manage the moment. The schedule and draw allow him to work his way into the tournaments. His energy and spirits are lifted by the overwhelming crowd support. Djokovic is also often given night matches or match times not in the peak heat of the day.
The biggest problem is he isn’t playing enough matches so the rustiness is a factor, regardless of age. 20 matches through eight months of the season are not nearly enough for him to be in top form. That is an unsustainable pace to achieve top results. On the flip side, he wants to preserve his body so he is trying to achieve a balance. However, it is not working.
MORE: On International Left-Handers Day, Ben Shelton wins National Bank Open for second straight year
Never doubt the GOAT
Can he push ahead for nearly two years until the LA Olympics begin in July 2028 on the heels of Wimbledon? Perhaps it will work out as Rafael Nadal’s 2024 Paris Olympics journey did. Nadal was not playing much but somehow reached the Olympic threshold.
Jul 29, 2024; Paris, France; Novak Djokovic (SRB) shakes hands with Rafael Nadal (ESP) after their match in the men’s tennis sinlges first round during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Hopefully Djokovic makes it to the Olympics. He put Serbia on the tennis map and deserves to leave the game exactly as he wants to.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —