"Novak Djokovic will run out of energy" - Andre Agassi makes stunning claim; remembers how he responded when Pete Sampras retired
Andre Agassi recently touched on Novak Djokovic’s longevity and shared his thoughts about how the Serb’s tennis future could likely play out. The American legend also disclosed the obstacles he faced when his archrival, Pete Sampras, retired.
Djokovic is the last man standing when it comes to the legendary Big 3 era, which included himself, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—or even the Big 4, with Andy Murray. Federer retired in 2022 in front of all three of his biggest rivals at the Laver Cup, and Murray came next, drawing the curtain at this year’s Paris Olympics.
Rafael Nadal, meanwhile, waved his goodbye last month at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. The Spaniard, who was Novak Djokovic’s biggest rival, had been hinting at retirement since 2023 when he was forced to halt his season due to an unceasing hip injury. The Serb has been relatively fortunate in this aspect, not having incurred any unmanageable injury so far in his illustrious career.
In that regard, eight-time Grand Slam champion Agassi believes Djokovic’s rivals’ departure could well be his undoing instead of a potential decline in his on-court capabilities. Speaking at the recent TiE Global Summit in Bengaluru, India, the American said.
"I think he’ll run out of energy more than capability, especially when the people you came to the dance with have left."
When Roger Federer retired, Rafael Nadal was inconsolable. The Spaniard was coming off of a spectacular run, winning the 2022 season’s first two Grand Slams (in Melbourne and Paris) and making it to the semifinals of Wimbledon. However, recurring injuries and prolonged time on the sidelines meant that the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s title success stopped at the 2022 French Open.
During the conversation, Andre Agassi shared his personal experience, revisiting how he felt when archrival Pete Sampras retired.
"When [Pete Sampras] retired, I had to rediscover my inspiration. [Novak Djokovic] has lost the guys he made history with. Emotionally it’s tougher," he said, adding, "But I would never bet against him."
Novak Djokovic to begin 2025 season with Andy Murray's support
Interestingly, Novak Djokovic’s seeming decline has also coincided with his rivals Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray’s retirement. The Serb, who came off of a historic 2023 season, winning three Grand Slams and featuring in all four finals, failed to win a single ATP title this year.
However, despite his on-court woes, the determined 37-year-old won the only prize missing from his ultra-rich cabinet—the Paris Olympics gold medal. He also made the Wimbledon final just weeks after undergoing a knee procedure.
Of late, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has hinted at diminishing motivation while also assuring that he will be showing up to represent his country and bid for Grand Slams. In hopes of rediscovering himself with a familiar figure by his side, he has also appointed rival Andy Murray as his coach for the 2025 Australian Open.