Former Champion Pat Cash Urges Novak Djokovic to Retire After Wimbledon Loss

Former tennis champion Pat Cash has called on Novak Djokovic to retire from professional tennis, suggesting the Serbian star should plan one final season before stepping away. Djokovic, 39, who holds the record for most Grand Slam titles, has struggled recently against rising stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. On Friday, Djokovic suffered a decisive defeat to Sinner in the Wimbledon semifinals.

Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon champion, told the BBC he was unimpressed by Djokovic's recent form and recommended that Djokovic announce 2027 as his farewell year, playing all four Grand Slam tournaments before retiring. Cash believes Wimbledon 2026 was likely Djokovic's last realistic chance to win a 25th major title, noting that Alcaraz was absent and Sinner appeared uncertain early in their match, but ultimately played perfectly against Djokovic.

While Cash doubts Djokovic will win another Grand Slam, he acknowledged that Djokovic remains a serious threat on the court. He emphasized that Djokovic deserves a proper farewell tour, unlike many players who retire quietly. Djokovic’s recent performances indicate a decline from his previous dominance, prompting calls from former players for him to conclude his illustrious career on his own terms.