Evert on Djokovic’s possible 25th major: “I would think he would leave the game”

The 18-time major winner believes a 25th major might bring the Serbian superstar closer to retirement

Manu Fernandez/AP/SIPA

August 21, 2024

Before this year’s Olympic Games, Novak Djokovic had won nearly everything: every major at least three times, all nine Masters 1000s on at least two occasions, eight year-end No 1s, among other accolades. All records. This isn’t even including his record for the most weeks at No 1 for any player, and a male singles record 24 major crowns. However, the Serbian had made clear that the gold medal would be the nearest thing he could get before he could claim to have ‘completed’ tennis, and, just a few weeks ago, he managed to achieve that dream with a sensational performance vs Carlos Alcaraz.

One possible motivation for Djokovic in the last stage of his career might be a 25th major title, which would surpass Margaret Court, making him the player with the most major singles titles – male or female.

18-time major winner Chris Evert, in a recent interview with ESPN, added her insight into what an additional major title would mean to the Serbian superstar, and why it may even push him far closer to retirement:

“I think if he wins the 25th major, I would think he would leave the game. I mean, I don’t know, he would break that tie with Margaret Court. He’s won the Olympics. That was such a big goal for him, winning the Olympics. As far as winning the US Open, does the 25th mean as much? Can he get that energy going as much as he got in the Olympics? He’s going to come up against, again, some really tough competition. Can he do it two times in a row, the Olympics and the US Open? I would allow him to retire after that, I would say ‘Okay, you have everybody in the world’s permission to retire’ (laughter).”

I think if he wins the 25th major, I would think he would leave the game. I mean, I don’t know, he would break that tie with Margaret Court.
Evert on a possible 25th major title for Djokovic