Novak Djokovic could drop out of ATP top 10 in 2026, says ex-WTA pro citing Serb's age

Novak Djokovic, who ended 2025 as the World No. 4 in men's singles tennis, has already been spotted intensely training in his bid to get himself as ready as he possibly can for the 2026 season. However, according to former WTA star Nadia Petrova, things could change for the 38-year-old Serbian tennis legend in 2026, and not for the better as far as his year-end ranking is concerned.

Petrova, a former World No. 3 in both women's singles and doubles, recently gave an interview to Championat. Here, the 43-year-old Russian was asked about who she thinks might drop out of the ATP singles top 10 next year. Singling out former ATP No. 1 and 24-time Major champion Novak Djokovic and comparing his age to that of his top 10 rivals, Petrova said:

"That's a very interesting question. It could even be Novak Djokovic himself. After all, if you look at age, all the players in the top 10 are around 23. Sasha Zverev and Taylor Fritz are 28, and Novak is 38."

The Russian, who won 13 singles titles during her playing days, went on to cite the physical struggles that the Serb had to contend with spanning various tournaments in 2025, despite winning two ATP 250 titles and taking his career singles title haul to 101.

"This year, of course, Novak managed to win two tournaments, but he didn't reach the finals of any Grand Slam tournaments. And each time, it's getting more and more difficult for him physically. I can't even imagine who else it could have been. Everyone in the top ten deservedly did so based on their game," Petrova added.

"You can't fight age" - Novak Djokovic during US Open 2025

Novak Djokovic receives treatment at the 2025 US Open (Source: Getty)

Following his third-round win over Cameron Norrie at the 2025 US Open, Novak Djokovic told ESPN how concerned he tends to be these days about his physical health because of his age. Touching on how it's getting harder for him to remain at his physical peak despite going great lengths to do so, the Serb said:

"Well, honestly, I am concerned. You know, nowadays (I am) more concerned than I have ever been. Even though I really am meticulous with care for my body and I put in a lot of hours on and off the court to make sure that my body is fit and recovered well. But you know, age is… You can’t fight it. So, things are different. I have to obviously adjust myself the way I approach things in training."

The 2024 Paris Olympics men's singles gold medalist decided to end his competitive outings in the 2025 season after clinching the inaugural Hellenic Championship in Athens. Citing a shoulder injury, Djokovic withdrew from the year-end ATP Finals in Turin as well.

Edited by Sudipto Pati