'God knows what happens tomorrow': Novak Djokovic hints at retirement in cryptic Australian Open speech
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Novak Djokovic has cast doubt on his professional future, acknowledging the uncertainty of the twilight of his career.
Addressing the crowd and his opponent, Carlos Alcaraz, after falling 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in Sunday night's Australian Open final, Djokovic dropped a cryptic hint about the time he has left on tour.
Reflecting on this being his 21st appearance at the tournament, Djokovic admitted that, at 38 years old, he was not sure he would ever feature in a grand slam trophy presentation again.
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Novak Djokovic addressing the crowd during his runner-up speech. Nine
After years of facing calls to retire, he confessed that standing on the podium at Rod Laver Arena felt like an unexpected gift.
Ultimately, the 10-time champion at Melbourne Park credited the local crowd for pushing him through the past fortnight with their vocal support.
"You guys [the crowd], particularly the last couple of matches, gave me something that I have never experienced in Australia, that much love, support, positivity. It's been incredible," he said.
"I tried to give you back with a good tennis over the years. This has been my, I think, 21st year coming to Australia.
"Honestly, you know, I always believe in myself, and that is something that is truly needed and necessary when you're playing at this level against incredible players like Carlos and Jannik [Sinner], obviously, in the last three days.
"But I must be very honest and say that I didn't think that I would be standing in a closing ceremony of a grand slam once again. So I think I owe you the gratitude as well for pushing me forward throughout the last couple of weeks."
Djokovic acknowledged he is taking his career one day at a time, refusing to look too far ahead or offer guarantees about his future on tour.
"God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months," he said. "So it has been a great ride. I love you guys."
Speaking post-match, tennis legend Jim Courier noted that Djokovic's comments carried the distinct weight of a farewell speech.
"It felt that way," he said in commentary for Nine.
"Only he knows for sure whether he will give it another shot here.
"But if that was goodbye, that was one great finish for him to make it as far as he did, to have that win against Jannik Sinner, and the way the semi-final did kind of feel like that was his final.
"He knew it was going to be very, very difficult to get past both of these guys, and he just didn't have the legs in him to do it."
Djokovic also spoke directly to Spanish great Rafael Nadal, who was watching on from the stands.
He remarked on the "weird" sensation of seeing his long-time rival in the crowd rather than across the net, after decades of their storied rivalry.
"I want to speak to the legendary Rafa, who is in the stands. Just a few words," Djokovic said with a grin.
"Obviously, it feels very weird to see you there and not here, you know? But I just want to say it's been an honour to share the court with you and to have you watching the final here — it's the first time for me — [so] obviously a bit of a strange feeling, but thank you for being present.
Djokovic added: "There're too many Spanish legends, it felt like it was two against one tonight, you know, it wasn't fair, but OK".
