'Not the end, but..': Novak Djokovic's father outlines the Serbian star's retirement plans

Novak Djokovic has achieved everything in his esteemed career that a tennis player ideally should have. The Serbian missed out on a fifth consecutive Wimbledon crown but still has managed to amass 23 grand slam titles in his tally. Djokovic is expected to take part in the US Open next month as his priority will be to get his hand on his record 24 grand slam titles. With both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer not in contention it could be a walk in the park for the 36-year-old.

3 things you need to know

• Novak Djokovic currently has the most grand slam titles (24) in Open era
• Djokovic currently has seven Wimbledon titles, one less than Roger Federer
• The Serbian tennis star will take part in the US Open

Novak Djokovic remains relevant amidst Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry

Despite hitting the twilight of his career, Djokovic hasn't faced much fitness issues and has remained at the top of his game in the last few years. In the era of Federer and Nadal, four consecutive Wimbledon titles do speak volumes about his credentials and he has managed to figure out his workload as he has mostly been focusing on grand slams.

[Novak Djokovic speaks after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the men's singles final; Image: AP]

Also Read: Novak Djokovic withdraws from Toronto tournament, opts for more rest after loss in Wimbledon final

Novak Djokovic's father makes massive claim on his son's retirement 

However, his father Srdjan Djokovic made a big claim as he insisted he would like his son to leave tennis next year. In Sportal's ‘Novak Djokovic – Untold Stories’ Djokovic senior said:

“As far as my wishes for him go, he has already fulfilled them all seven-eight years ago. The rest is this amazing bonus,” said Srdjan Djokovic. “Tennis is only one segment of his life, not his whole life, I expect him to be recognized for the things he will do after his career ends as well, after he leaves the tennis world, which I hope it will happen next year.”

Also Read: Djokovic's father shuts down journalist who named Novak LOAT - 'Loser Of All Time'

He further added, “And for Novak to slowly but surely… It’s not the end, but in a year-and-a-half let’s say… My wish as a father – I think for some time that he should have stopped working this extremely difficult job.

“It’s physically and mentally challenging and very demanding – with him being fully dedicated for 30 years, and not taking his foot off the gas, there is not much time for other things in life.”

Earlier, Nadal also hinted that he could be in the last lap of his career as he might bid adieu to the game next year.