Former Grand Slam semifinalist states what he would ‘love’ Novak Djokovic to do when he retires

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Novak Djokovic continues to impress on the ATP Tour at 38, but even he can’t go on forever…

The Serbian legend played a reduced schedule in 2025, but still managed to reach the semifinals of all four Grand Slams.

Thanks to his efforts at the major tournaments, Djokovic finds himself ranked fifth in the world and has once again qualified for the year-end finals.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

It is, however, clear that Djokovic is slowing down, and the chances are he won’t be playing on the ATP Tour for too much longer.

As he edges closer to retirement, former Grand Slam semifinalist Vladimir Voltchkov has exclusively told The Tennis Gazette what he wants Djokovic to do when he ends his career.

Voltchkov, a former semifinalist at Wimbledon in 2000, shared what he hopes to see Djokovic do when he retires from tennis.

“I personally would love to see [Novak] Djokovic commentating on some good tennis matches,” he said.

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“For me, as a former tennis player, the best fun I have is actually watching Wimbledon, US Open, or Roland Garros, and listening to the commentary of the legends of the previous eras, because they understand the psychology of the game, they know a lot of the technical aspects, and they understand the tactics.

“If you’re smart enough, if you hear with your ears, there is a whole unwritten tennis bible there, if you just listen to those guys.

“I think we’re going to witness another legend sharing his wisdom in the next couple of years, and this is what we should concentrate on.”

Djokovic wouldn’t be the first player to become a commentator upon retirement, as the likes of John McEnroe, Jim Courier, and Boris Becker have all put down their rackets and picked up the microphone.

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Voltchkov is excited by the prospect of Djokovic commentating, but thinks there’s a lot to learn from the Serb before he retires.

“We just have to get all the wisdom we can from this guy. To think what might happen next year, really… I’m just not at the caliber to think or imagine what someone like Novak Djokovic will do. Whatever he does, there will be some strategy behind it; he’s a very good strategist, you can see that,” he said.

“I’m strongly suggesting everyone, not even watching how he plays, because we’ve seen that for the last 15 years, but learning from the guy.

“Sometimes, this guy throws in pearls in interviews.”

The Belarusian rates Djokovic as one of the greatest to have ever played the game and respects the way he dealt with adversity throughout his career.

Novak Djokovic has been under more pressure than anyone else in tennis history – Vladimir Voltchkov

Voltchkov was full of praise for Djokovic, who hasn’t had it easy during his 20+ year career on the ATP Tour.

“I don’t believe there’s been another tennis player in history who has been under so much pressure,” he said.

“Going through all those crazy COVID years, not letting the guy go in the country, then he comes back and takes the title.

“He’s just extraordinary, this guy is a hero, this guy is a legend.”

Djokovic had his visa cancelled at the Australian Open in 2022 because he wasn’t vaccinated, but returned in 2023 to claim his 10th title.

The 38-year-old has often had to overcome adversity during his career, working hard to become an all-time great.

“Novak [Djokovic] is an absolute legend from all angles,” said Voltchkov.

“How he improved his game over the years, struggling with the serve first, then making that serve so efficient, making his forehand a lot smoother, and learning a little bit of a better attacking game when he needs to.

“Improving literally all areas of his tennis, and becoming, in a good sense, a machine, making a machine out of his body with all those rigid meal routines and severe discipline.

“You just have to acknowledge all of his achievements and all he has done for tennis. He’s already in a stage where tennis is not a priority; he is already a missionary.”

Tennis may no longer be Djokovic’s priority, but he’s not ready to retire just yet.

Competing at the brand new Hellenic Championship tournament, Djokovic will play either Alejandro Tabilo or Adam Walton on Tuesday, November 4.