Novak Djokovic Nearly Walked Away from Tennis in Heartfelt Confession to Wife and Team
In a dramatic revelation that has sent ripples through the tennis world, Novak Djokovic has disclosed how he came perilously close to retiring from professional tennis in 2018. The world-renowned Serb, who has since gone on to cement his place as one of the sport’s greatest ever players, admitted that personal turmoil and sporting setbacks nearly drove him to hang up his racket for good.
Djokovic’s turning point came after a string of disappointing events that year. His season unravelled following a shock defeat to Hyeon Chung at the Australian Open, which was swiftly followed by an elbow surgery. Repeated injuries had begun to take their toll, culminating in a sense of deep disillusionment with the game he once loved. Further losses, including a surprise early exit at Indian Wells to Taro Daniel, meant the setbacks simply kept on coming.
Following another tough defeat at the Miami Masters to Benoit Paire, Djokovic reached a crisis point. It was then that he gathered his closest confidantes — his coaching team and his wife Jelena — for an emotional conversation. Djoković, bare and honest, expressed his intention to leave tennis behind, revealing the level of distress he had been experiencing. It is not often that elite sportspeople offer such transparency about their vulnerabilities, a point which highlights the immense pressure that comes with competing at the very highest level.
Jelena Djokovic, reflecting on this period in later interviews, revealed the extent of her husband’s anguish. She described a scene where Djokovic, emotionally spent, instructed his agent to speak with sponsors — including major backers like Lacoste — about the possibility of his retirement. He did not want to leave anyone in the lurch, apparently telling his team: “If they want to stick around, great. If not, I understand. I just want everyone to be clear about where things stand.”
The Djokovic household endured particularly testing days, as Novak withdrew from anything related to tennis. Jelena, a tennis enthusiast herself, continued to take their children, Stefan and Tara, to the court. It was on these casual outings that a flicker of Djokovic’s old passion began to re-emerge. On the third day, Novak joined his family at the court, though at first merely as a spectator. Jelena, recounting the story, said she playfully teased her husband, telling him he had given up and now the court was theirs. Eventually, Djokovic asked for a racket, tentatively hitting a few balls. Gradually, those casual hits rekindled a spark within him.
These moments of simple joy with his family soon reignited Djokovic’s competitive spirit. Within a short while, he decided to reach out to his long-term coach Marian Vajda to resume training. This decision proved to be nothing short of transformative for the Serb’s career. From that crucial juncture, Djokovic embarked on a remarkable comeback, going on to secure a further 12 Grand Slam titles, bringing his astonishing total to a record-breaking 24.
Despite this resurgence, the question of how much longer Djokovic will continue at the top level remains. His recent run at the French Open saw him reach the semi-finals before he was defeated by world number one Jannik Sinner. The match ended in straight sets, and Djokovic’s actions on Court Philippe-Chatrier — including a prolonged show of gratitude to the crowd and an emotional touch of the clay — suggested a man contemplating his future.
Commenting on the poignant scenes, Djokovic admitted during his post-match press conference: “This could have been the last match I ever played here, so I don’t know.” He went on to express his appreciation for the crowd’s support, saying their warmth had made the occasion even more emotional.
Djokovic’s journey serves as a testimony to the power of resilience and the importance of a supportive network. That near-retirement episode underscores how even champions can grapple with doubts and setbacks. In the end, it was family, love for the sport, and an inner drive that brought Djokovic back from the brink—a story that resonates far beyond tennis, offering inspiration for anyone facing their own crossroads in life.