During a podcast conversation on 17/7, Nick Kyrgios revealed that Novak Djokovic has been struggling with being away from home while competing in tournaments this year. Kyrgios met Djokovic at Indian Wells in March and said he had never seen him miss his family so much.

"I asked him why he was still there, and he said he didn't know," Kyrgios said. "Djokovic wants to spend more time with his wife and children after all these years of competing. I don't think he'll play for another year, no way. Djokovic is very professional, but I would do the same if I had a family like his."

Djokovic with his son Stefan, daughter Tara, and wife Jelena (from right to left) after winning Wimbledon 2022. Photo: AELTC

Djokovic with his son Stefan, daughter Tara, and wife Jelena (from right to left) after winning Wimbledon 2022. Photo: AELTC

According to Kyrgios, like Andy Murray, Djokovic feels his career is winding down and needs to make a decision. The Australian player stays in regular contact with Djokovic despite having been away from competition for a long time. Kyrgios said he might be fit enough to play at the US Open.

"If I were Djokovic, I'd retire and spend several years with my family. I wouldn't do what Murray did, which is jump straight into coaching," Kyrgios added.

Djokovic has achieved the highest accolades in tennis and holds the most important records. He has faced difficulties in the past two years as his performance has fluctuated and younger players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have emerged as dominant forces. Djokovic has lost to these two opponents in most of the Grand Slams over the past two years. This season, he reached the semifinals of three tournaments but couldn't make it to the finals.

Djokovic's most significant achievement in the last two years was the Olympic gold medal, won after defeating Alcaraz in Paris. Last May, he also reached the milestone of 100 ATP Tour titles when he won the Geneva Open.

Speaking after losing to Sinner in the Roland Garros semifinals last month, Djokovic said this might be his last year at the tournament. "I don't know, this very well may be the last time I appear at this tournament. If that is the case, then I had a really nice send-off, judging by the atmosphere and what I received from the crowd".

Vy Anh