“I regret…”: Novak Djokovic fuels retirement rumors after shocking Indian Wells Masters defeat
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has inadvertently reignited speculation about his future in tennis after a string of uncharacteristic losses. Following a mid-match withdrawal at the Australian Open due to injury and a rocky return at the Qatar Open—where he fell short in both singles and doubles—the Serbian superstar suffered another blow at Indian Wells.
On Sunday, world No. 78 Botic van de Zandschulp stunned Djokovic 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, leaving the legend with a lackluster 7-4 record for the 2025 season. As doubts swirl about his quest for a historic 25th major title, Djokovic’s post-match reflections have added fuel to retirement whispers.
Djokovic opens up about ‘regret’ and reality check”
Novak Djokovic’s aura of invincibility has long been a hallmark of his career, but 2025 is telling a different story. After a demoralizing loss to Dutch underdog Botic van de Zandschulp at Indian Wells—a player best known for toppling Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in recent months—the Serb’s post-match press conference felt less like an athlete’s debrief and more like a soul-searching session.
“I regret the level of tennis I produced, considering how I practice these days,” Djokovic admitted, his tone tinged with frustration. The final set, where he collapsed 6-1, was particularly jarring. Errors piled up, serves faltered, and the fire that once defined his game seemed dimmed. “The difference between the center court and the other courts is immense. The ball is bouncing on the center courts higher than some of the highest clay courts, to be honest. Just struggled a lot with that. Couldn’t find the rhythm.”
The defeat wasn’t just a blip—it exposed deeper cracks. Novak Djokovic, who turns 38 in May, acknowledged the widening gap between his training grind and match-day execution.
“When I reflect on this match, obviously I’ll see a little bit more what, you know, I could have done more, but I think he played, I think, some really good points to break my serve,” he conceded. Yet, even as he credited his opponent, his introspection cut deeper: “Putting myself in that position, I shouldn’t allow myself to do that.”
For a player who dominated 2024 with surgical precision, this season’s struggles feel jarring. “Things are different obviously for me the last couple of years. I’ve been struggling to play on the desired level. Every now and then, I have a couple good tournaments, but, you know, mostly it’s really a challenge. It’s a struggle for me,” he confessed.
Novak Djokovic’s honesty underscores a sobering reality. While he remains tantalizingly close to a 100th ATP title and that elusive 25th Grand Slam, his words—“I guess nothing can prepare you for that moment… You have to experience it and try to deal with it in the best possible way”—hint at a man wrestling with time itself.
Fans are left wondering: Is this a temporary slump or the toll of a 20-year career catching up? Djokovic’s legacy as the GOAT is secure, but his next move—whether to fight for one last crown or bow out gracefully—will define this bittersweet chapter.