“The signals are not good at all,” Italian Tennis legend Paolo Bertolucci remarks Novak Djokovic is heading towards an ‘early’ retirement

The Italian feels Djokovic will not be able to recover in time for Paris Olympics.

Paolo Bertolucci, Novak Djokovic (Images via Imago)

Former Italian tennis player Paolo Bertolucci has shared his opinion on Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic‘s struggles in the 2024 season. The 72-year-old believes that the 24-time Grand Slam champion is nearing the end of his career. As Djokovic has failed to win a title yet in the 2024 season, Bertolucci feels the Serbian is not the same player he was a year ago.

The former Italian tennis player claims that Djokovic might win a point, a game, or a set, but he can no longer thrash his opponents like he could do a year ago. With Djokovic down and out of the tour with an injury, Bertolucci is skeptical about the Serbian returning for the Paris Olympics.

The 72-year-old feels that the condition is not favorable for Djokovic anymore and the signs are not good at all. Bertolucci also feels that it is now all about motivation for the Serbian tennis ace.

The signs are not good at all, the level of play is not that of a year, a year and a half ago. In other words, he is towards the end of his career and can find the set, the points, the game, the moment to phenomenon that he is. But he cannot be the hammer he was years ago. And then now it depends on the motivations: he had those of the Slams and the Olympics.

Paolo Bertolucci said about Novak Djokovic.

Paolo Bertolucci feels Novak Djokovic will miss Paris Olympics

The former Italian star further talked about Novak Djokovic‘s future chances. Paolo Bertolucci believes that the 37-year-old will not be able to recover in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics and will miss the Games. The 72-year-old also predicted that Djokovic will not be able to make it to the 2024 ATP Finals.
Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)

Now I assume he'll miss the Olympics and if they don't go well I think he'll have to think carefully. He might not even qualify for the Turin Finals. I think about it 100 times.

Paolo Bertolucci said about Novak Djokovic in an interview to Fanpage.

It is worth mentioning that while there are chances of Djokovic making it to the Paris Olympics, the Serbian might miss out on the ATP Finals. However, there is a lot of time left to think about the year-ending championships. The Paris Olympics is a major concern for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

While Djokovic’s surgeon has ruled out the possibility of him making it to the Wimbledon Championships, there are chances of the 37-year-old recovering in time for the Games.