Boris Becker has weighed in on the ongoing discussion about when Novak Djokovic might decide to call time on his career.
Speculation has been swirling for a while now, but despite all the noise, Djokovic hasn’t wavered from his plans. He’s still looking at the 2028 LA Olympics as his potential endpoint.
Even with that out there, some remain unconvinced. Questions linger about whether he’ll be satisfied if Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner continue to get the better of him over those years. It almost feels like people are deciding for him. That’s where Becker has stepped in.
Boris Becker warns Novak Djokovic critics
The German is fully behind the tennis star’s decision to keep going until he feels it’s time to stop, insisting that Djokovic deserves a more respectful tone than he is currently getting in this debate.
“I think these questions are very disrespectful,” Becker said. “I have spoken with Novak and he will decide for himself when it is time to retire.
“As long as he likes what he does and enjoys playing tennis, why shouldn’t he keep playing?”
Novak Djokovic’s retirement timeline raises questions
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Boris Becker spoke openly about his past struggles and time spent in jail, before the conversation shifted to Novak Djokovic.
The German coached Djokovic for three years, during which time they won six Grand Slam titles together. He remains supportive of the 24-time major champion’s current position on retirement.
Djokovic has said he plans to keep playing until the 2028 LA Olympics. Although some doubt whether he’ll stick to that timeline, Becker doesn’t think there’s any reason to rush him out of the sport.
He told The Guardian: “Look, I think he’s important for tennis today. He leads by example and shows the young players the amount of dedication you need to come to the top and then stay on top. He’s still chasing his 25th grand slam and reached all four major semi-finals this year and won two tournaments. Who are we to challenge Novak when to stop?
“I heard the other day that he wants to play at the Olympics in LA 2028. Let him. We need him.”
Still, there are those who believe Djokovic should step away sooner rather than later – especially at a tournament where he’s had so much success throughout his career.
Boris Becker addresses Novak Djokovic retirement talk
In an interview with The Guardian, Becker opened up about some of the more difficult periods in his life, including his time spent in jail, before the conversation shifted to Djokovic.
The pair worked together for three years, during which Djokovic won six Grand Slams and 14 Masters titles under Becker’s guidance.
Speaking on Djokovic’s future, Becker was clear in his opinion. He said: “Look, I think he’s important for tennis today. He leads by example and shows the young players the amount of dedication you need to come to the top and then stay on top. He’s still chasing his 25th grand slam and reached all four major semi-finals this year and won two tournaments. Who are we to challenge Novak when to stop? I heard the other day that he wants to play at the Olympics in LA 2028. Let him. We need him.”
And while he has every right to decide that for himself, others have questioned whether he will want that length of time being consistently beaten by Sinner and Alcaraz.
There is a growing sentiment among some that it may be best for him if he chose not to extend his career beyond next year’s Paris Olympics.
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