Novak Djokovic’s 25th Grand Slam title remains elusive, as he fell short of claiming the grass-court title in his 2025 Wimbledon campaign, suffering a defeat to Jannik Sinner. Soon after, Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, made a bold claim about Djokovic’s potential retirement, suggesting where he might play his final Grand Slam match.
“I Think That Probably Will Be His Last Grand Slam” — Rennae Stubbs on Novak Djokovic’s Retirement
Djokovic began his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title in dominant fashion at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, cruising past Alexandre Muller, Dan Evans, and Miomir Kecmanovic with ease. The Serbian star then overcame 11th seed Alex de Minaur to book his spot in the quarterfinals, where he faced Fabio Cobolli. However, during that match, Djokovic suffered a nasty fall.
The Serbian was far from his best during the semifinal against eventual champion Jannik Sinner. He even needed a medical timeout after the second set. Ultimately, Djokovic suffered a heartbreaking straight-sets defeat to the Italian, 3-6, 3-6, 4-6, in just one hour and 55 minutes. After the match, the 38-year-old opened up about how physically compromised he had been.
“It wasn’t a pleasant feeling on the court. But I don’t want to talk about in details of my injury and whine about not managing to play my best,” Djokovic said.
Though the seven-time Wimbledon champion hasn’t hinted at any retirement plans, speculation continues to swirl. During the July 14 episode of The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast: Reclaiming Our Time, the former coach made a bold claim about the Serb’s possible retirement.
Stubbs has suggested that the upcoming Australian Open could be Novak Djokovic’s final appearance at the tournament, a fitting stage, given it’s been his most successful hunting ground with 10 Grand Slam titles to his name.
“Yeah, I mean, listen, I think that he’s sort of hinted that the last Grand Slam will be the Australian Open. And I think the reason for that is that it’s been his most successful, winning nine times. So I think that it’s not a bad way for him to go out if he decides to. It’s clearly been the best place for him to win a Grand Slam. If he can get to 25, that’s probably where he’s going to do it,” Stubbs said.
Serena Williams’ former coach also weighed in on how contradictory it was that Djokovic was denied entry to the 2022 Australian Open for not having the proper COVID vaccination. Ironically, Melbourne holds some of the Serb’s most significant memories. According to her, it might even be the venue where the 24-time Grand Slam champion tries to add one more title to his collection.
“I thought that his best chance was also at Wimbledon. So that’s now slipped away. But I think that he probably almost feels like he not owes it. It’s kind of Australia has been so, so mercurial in his life, right? He’s had such success in so many very dramatic moments in his life where he was treated very unpoly for the Australian government. So it’s an interesting dichotomy, but I think that’s where he wants to finish his career. I think that probably will be his last grand slam.”
For a player who had reached six consecutive Wimbledon finals (2018-2024), this semifinal loss marked a notable turning point in his tennis career. Still, Djokovic made it clear he wasn’t done with the grass courts.
“It’s Not My Last Match” — Novak Djokovic Hints at Possible Comeback at the Grass Court Slam
After the semifinal match, when asked if it would be sad for him if this turned out to be his last appearance at the All England Club, Djokovic replied:
“I would be sad, but hopefully it’s not my last match on Centre Court. I’m not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. I’m planning to come back, definitely at least one more time.”
Djokovic hasn’t won a major title since the 2023 US Open, and he’ll be doing his best to capture his 25th at this season’s final Grand Slam, hopefully staying injury-free along the way.
