Is This It? That Time Djokovic Seemed Finished

Every time Novak Djokovic loses an unexpected match, critics are quick to write him off. His four-set loss to Alexei Popyrin has reignited the familiar chatter. But here’s the thing: this happens to everyone, even the greatest. Earlier this year, before the French Open, Djokovic was just 14-7 on the season with no titles, and a knee injury eventually forced him to withdraw and undergo surgery. Many speculated that this was the beginning of the end. Yet, he returned, won a gold medal, after just weeks earlier, making it to the Wimbledon final.

At 37, it’s natural to wonder if a player is on the brink of decline. Maybe there were signs, but the rush to put dirt on his career is premature. We are going to need a lot more evidence than this. Djokovic, like all the all-time greats, has faced far more shocking losses than a defeat to the 28th-seeded Popyrin. His greatness over the years is what makes a loss like this seem so shocking.

It’s Looked More Bleak Before

Act 1

In 2016, Djokovic had just turned 29, fresh off a “Tiger Slam,” having won four straight majors and six of the last eight. This is an age where many tennis legends begin to decline, and it seemed Djokovic might follow suit. He suffered a tough loss in the 3rd round of Wimbledon to another 28th seed, Sam Querrey, in four sets. At that point, he had 12 majors to his name, and it would be two years before he won another, claiming victory at Wimbledon in 2018. Along the way, he endured shocking losses, including a 2nd round defeat at the Australian Open to wildcard Denis Istomin and another to unseeded Hyeon Chung. He even missed a Slam due to injury. It seemed plausible that his time at the top was over, or at best, that he might win just a few more slams . Yet, from ages 31 to 36, Djokovic added another 12 majors to his collection.

Final Chapter

Conclusion

Speculation about Djokovic’s decline is understandable given his age, it was 7 years ago as well, especially since no one has accomplished what he’s done at this stage of his career. However, one loss to a 28th seed is far from conclusive evidence. Upsets happen to everyone— even Carlos Alcaraz was taken down by a lesser-ranked player, yet no one should be questioning his career trajectory based on that. These losses are normal. Similarly, it’s far too early to dismiss Djokovic’s and declare this is the end. Father Time will eventually catch up with him, as it does with everyone, but this is premature.

It seems like Djokovic has been pushing himself hard since his surgery—probably too hard—but it’s understandable given that this may be his last best chance at an Olympic gold medal. If it weren’t an Olympic year, I doubt we would have seen him play at Wimbledon certainly, or perhaps even the US Open after the surgery. He really has rush back faster than you will see almost any athlete comeback. The best thing he can do at this point is take a few weeks off and get back fully healthy and I do think Djokovic has more winning years in him even at the age of 37.