Recently, I ran a poll in my community tab asking how many Grand Slam titles Novak Djokovic would end his career with. The results were surprising, especially when compared to a similar poll conducted a year ago. After Djokovic’s historic 24th Grand Slam victory at the 2023 US Open, expectations were sky-high, with many believing that the Serbian legend still had years of dominance left in him. However, fast forward to today, and the sentiment has shifted quite dramatically.

In 2023, after Djokovic won his third Grand Slam of the year at the US Open, an overwhelming 94% of voters were convinced that Djokovic would add at least one more major title to his collection, with 65% believing he would claim three or more. It was clear that many saw Djokovic continuing to compete at the highest level for at least another couple of years. After all, the 37-year-old had been winning Grand Slams almost every season since his elbow injury in 2017, and it seemed reasonable to think that this success would continue.

But after the 2024 season, expectations have been tempered. The results of the latest poll are strikingly different. Despite the previous optimism, only a minority still believe Djokovic will win another Grand Slam. This shift is due in part to Djokovic’s struggles this season, which have been marked by poor performances, injuries, and the rise of younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

The 2024 season has been a tough one for Djokovic. His opening tournament, the Australian Open, ended in disappointment as he was eliminated by Sinner in the fourth round. This loss was significant as it set the tone for a year in which Djokovic would struggle to find his best form. Even though he had shown flashes of brilliance, including a memorable Wimbledon run just five weeks after knee surgery, Djokovic seemed unable to find consistent momentum. His focus shifted towards a more personal goal: the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, a title that had eluded him for years.

Despite some setbacks on the clay courts, including the knee injury at Roland Garros, Djokovic’s persistence paid off in Paris. In one of the greatest moments of his career, he finally clinched the gold medal. This win was not just about the historical significance of the achievement but also about proving to himself and his fans that he could still perform at the highest level, despite doubts that had crept in throughout the year.

However, the aftermath of his Olympic success showed the toll it had taken on him. Less than a month later, Djokovic made a surprise exit in the third round of the US Open, losing to the unseeded Aleksandar Popyrin. The emotional and physical demands of winning the Olympic gold were clear, and it seemed as though Djokovic’s body and mind were not quite ready to jump back into the grind of a Grand Slam so soon after such a monumental achievement.

After his early exit from the US Open, Djokovic took some time to rest before returning to competition in Shanghai. Historically, Shanghai has been one of his most successful events, and it was an opportunity for him to regain his confidence. In his first few matches, Djokovic looked sharp, moving well and playing with his usual intensity. But when he faced Sinner again in the semifinals, it was clear that the Italian was the stronger player on the day, and Djokovic eventually fell in straight sets.

Despite the loss, the Shanghai tournament was still a positive sign for Djokovic. His level of play was still high, and he showed that, even after weeks off the tour, he could still go toe-to-toe with the best in the world. But after the tournament, a surprising 35% of voters in the poll began to believe that Djokovic may never win another Grand Slam. This shift in sentiment is understandable. Djokovic has already achieved everything a tennis player could dream of, including breaking records for the most Grand Slam titles. He has nothing left to prove, and at 37, the physical and mental demands of continuing to compete at the highest level are only going to increase.

In his recent comments, Djokovic mentioned that the ATP Finals are no longer a major goal for him, which further fueled speculation about his future. He seems to be prioritizing quality over quantity now, focusing on what truly motivates him. However, despite this, Djokovic’s love for the sport and his incredible work ethic make it hard to believe that he will retire soon. His fitness level remains exceptional, as seen in his Olympic final performance. At 37, he is still one of the fittest players on tour, and it’s hard to imagine him suddenly dropping off in the next year or two.

I believe that Djokovic still has the potential to break more longevity records, including becoming the oldest Grand Slam winner in history. His body has been well-maintained throughout his career, and the discipline he has shown off the court gives him a strong foundation for continued success. While it won’t be easy with players like Alcaraz and Sinner in the mix, if there’s anyone who can defy the odds and win more Grand Slam titles at this age, it’s Djokovic. I wouldn’t be surprised if he manages to add a few more Grand Slams to his record, especially if his body holds up and he continues to maintain his high standards of fitness.

Looking ahead, 2025 could be a crucial year for Djokovic. Although it’s uncertain whether we’ll see him at the ATP Finals or if he’ll continue his pursuit of more Grand Slams, I am confident that he’ll still have plenty of fight left in him. It would not be a stretch to envision Djokovic playing at the top level for another couple of years, challenging for more titles and setting even more records. His legacy is already cemented, but if anyone can continue to defy expectations and redefine longevity in tennis, it’s Novak Djokovic.

As always, thank you for reading and for supporting the channel. If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to like and subscribe. We are just 12,000 subscribers away from hitting 100K, so your support means a lot! I look forward to bringing you more insights into Novak Djokovic’s incredible career as we witness his journey unfold.