Novak Djokovic drops a major hint on retirement after Madrid Open loss: 'I don't know if I'll be back'

Novak Djokovic’s journey at the 2025 Madrid Open ended on a disappointing note, and it has led to fresh talks about his future in tennis. After a surprising loss to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in the Round of 64, Djokovic opened up in his post-match press conference, hinting that this might have been his final appearance at the Madrid tournament.

Djokovic also spoke about his struggles with form and fitness and admitted that he might not be a top contender at the French Open (Roland Garros) this year.

“I didn’t have high expectations here. I just hoped to play one more match than in Monte Carlo. It’s weird, I wasn’t used to approaching these tournaments like this over the last 20 years. It’s the cycle of life. I won’t be one of the main favorites at Roland Garros. Maybe that will help me, I don’t know,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic says this could be his last match in Madrid

Most notably, Djokovic didn’t rule out the idea that this might be his last match in Madrid. “This could have been my last match in Madrid. I don’t know if I’ll be back. I don’t know right now,” he admitted.

Talking about the changes he is experiencing, Djokovic said, “Things are different, obviously, with my strokes, with my body, with my movement. It’s the reality that I have to accept. I’ll try to make the most out of these new circumstances that I have, particularly at Grand Slams, where it counts the most for me.”

Djokovic still chasing elusive 100th career title

Djokovic’s bid to win a 100th career title ended with this defeat for the time being. He has now lost three matches in a row. He made it to the Miami final but was beaten by Jakub Mensik, and after that, he lost his first match to Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Djokovic’s last win came in August when he won his 99th title at the Paris Olympics. Since then, he has lost four finals. Only two players in history have won 100 titles, Jimmy Connors with 109 and Roger Federer with 103. Djokovic will look to break the curse in the French Open next month.