Novak Djokovic 'big' farewell planned in fresh retirement verdict after US Open exit

Novak Djokovic's 2025 Grand Slam season came to an end with another semi-final defeat, this time to Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open. Aged 38, Djokovic has reached the semis of all four Majors this year, but his wait for a historic 25th Slam title goes on.

After suffering a straight-set loss to Alcaraz on Friday, the world No. 7 confirmed he was still motivated to keep playing. But Australian Open boss Craig Tiley has now revealed that the tournament is already putting together plans for the Serbian superstar's farewell, even though he's backing Djokovic to continue his career.

The Australian Open has been the most successful Grand Slam tournament of Djokovic's glittering career. It was the site of his first Major triumph in 2008, and the tennis icon has lifted the trophy in Melbourne 10 times.

So it's no surprise to hear that organisers are planning to honour Djokovic and his career when he does eventually hang up his racket. However, tournament director Tiley believes the 38-year-old will continue playing for a while.

"All I can say is it's going to be big," Tiley told Clay, discussing plans for a Djokovic ceremony.

"I hope it's for a long time still, though. He's a great player and I would like to see him play longer. He still does extremely well. When the time comes... we do have some ideas! It would be premature to share them now.

"I don't see Novak retiring any time soon. He's at the top of his game. We're more focused on having a great event in 2026. The US Open did a brilliant job, a really good event, and we're looking forward to upping the ante even more."

Djokovic himself isn't planning to go anywhere just yet, even though he has conceded to Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, whom he branded "the best in the world right now."

Earlier this year, Djokovic was forced to retire injured while facing Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semi-finals. Sinner beat Djokovic in the French Open and Wimbledon semis, and Alcaraz handed him a straight-set defeat in Flushing Meadows on Friday.

Although he knows it will be a big ask to beat the world Nos. 1 and 2 at the Majors, the Olympic champion is happy to keep fighting.

"I can do only as much as I can do. Yeah, it will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner, Alcaraz, in the best-of-five on the Grand Slams," Djokovic said after bowing out in the US Open semi-finals.

"I think I have a better chance best-of-three, but best-of-five, it's tough. I'm not giving up on Grand Slams in that regard, having said that.

"I'm going to continue fighting and trying to get to the finals and fight for another trophy at least. But, you know, it's going to be a very difficult task."

When he eventually walks away from the sport, the tennis world will be vying to pay tribute to Djokovic. Earlier this year, French Open bosses held a special presentation for 14-time champion Rafael Nadal, with Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray present.

And the Australian Open will no doubt put on a similar spectacle to honour the Serb when all is said and done.

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