Novak Djokovic, a figure whose name has become synonymous with tennis excellence, continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. As he remains tied with Margaret Court at 24 Grand Slam titles, discussions swirl around when—and if—the Serbian great will retire. Two insightful voices in the tennis world, former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli and British star Andy Murray, have shared their perspectives on Djokovic’s future, shedding light on the mindset behind one of the sport’s fiercest competitors.

Djokovic’s relentless ambition is legendary. His unyielding desire to outdo his peers fuels his quest not only to break records but to define an era. When contemplating Djokovic’s pursuit of the Grand Slam crown, it’s worth remembering his complex and illustrious journey—one marked not only by his raw talent and meticulous preparation, but also by resilience in the face of injury and setbacks. Born in Belgrade in 1987, Djokovic burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s, eventually upending the dominance of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two of tennis’s all-time greats. His rise coincided with a golden era in men’s tennis, cementing his legacy as part of the “Big Three,” which has dominated Grand Slam tennis for nearly two decades.

Bartoli, who herself is no stranger to tennis greatness, commented recently on Djokovic’s evident hunger for victory. “You can see it in the depths of his eyes,” she observed. “He wants to finish with 25 Grand Slams—to be at the top of the pyramid with no name next to his.” This assessment speaks not just to Djokovic’s physical talents but to his psychological edge. His win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a notable highlight in his career, was more than just a medal; it symbolized his ongoing drive to conquer all challenges. Although Djokovic has faced criticism at times—whether over his stance on vaccination or his sometimes imperious demeanor—his competitive spirit remains undeniable.

Andy Murray, who has battled Djokovic numerous times on the court and shares a deep understanding of the game’s pressures, has a similarly nuanced view. He acknowledges that retirement decisions are deeply personal. “I think when you know, you know,” Murray said, meaning that the moment Djokovic decides to step away will come when it feels right to him, not external observers. Murray hopes Djokovic remains on tour for several more years, perhaps until he approaches 37, highlighting Djokovic’s remarkable longevity in a physically demanding sport. Considering that professional tennis players rarely sustain peak performance into their mid-30s, Djokovic’s continued dominance is an extraordinary feat.

Historically, the evolution of tennis legends has followed diverse paths. Rod Laver, for instance, remains the only man to achieve the calendar-year Grand Slam twice, once before the Open Era commenced in 1968 and once after. Players like Pete Sampras set high bars with 14 majors before Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic pushed records into triple digits. Margaret Court’s tally of 24 Grand Slams is a milestone steeped in history, achieved during a period when the sport was less globalized and less competitive than today’s era. Djokovic’s matching and aiming to surpass this figure underscores how the sport has grown in intensity and worldwide appeal.

It’s also fascinating to note Djokovic’s adaptability across all surfaces—hard courts, clay, and grass—a trait that has differentiated him from many players who tend to specialize. His historic run includes multiple Australian Open titles on hard courts, French Open wins on formidable clay, and a string of Wimbledon championships on grass, showcasing his versatility. This trait, coupled with his physical fitness and mental toughness, has allowed him to continually outlast rivals.

As Djokovic marches toward what could be a landmark 25th Grand Slam, the tennis community watches in anticipation. Will he achieve this ambitious goal and retire on his own terms, or will he continue to redefine records further? Regardless of the outcome, his positional impact on tennis history is secure. Few athletes in any sport have combined skill, resilience, and personality quite like Novak Djokovic.

Above all, Djokovic’s legacy will be remembered not just for statistics but for the way he has energized a generation of players and fans. His career is a testament to the power of perseverance, transforming early adversities into motivation. Whether he retires next year or in a few years’ time, Novak Djokovic will be remembered as an all-time great—an icon who served—and continues to serve—not only as a formidable competitor but as a beacon of excellence in the sport of tennis.