Tennis legend Chris Evert thinks Novak Djokovic will likely retire if the Serbian breaks Margaret Court’s record by securing a 25th Grand Slam title at the upcoming US Open.

Djokovic has not competed since winning a gold medal in the men’s singles at the Olympics. He overcame Carlos Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 after one of the best serving performances of his career.

It was one of the most critical moments of Djokovic’s career. Claiming a gold medal for his country had been the only significant achievement missing from his incredible CV until his triumph against Alcaraz.

Some have wondered whether Djokovic will be able to motivate himself again. He holds the men’s record for the most Grand Slam singles titles and weeks at world No. 1, meaning many consider him the greatest player ever.

Former player and current analyst Laura Robson said Djokovic skipping the US Open after the enormity of his achievement at the Olympics was possible since winning gold had been his main goal for the season.

However, Djokovic recently practiced without a knee brace. That would appear to rule out any chance of the 24-time Grand Slam champion not playing in New York.

While previewing the US Open for ESPN alongside John McEnroe, Evert said she thinks the 37-year-old will leave the game if he wins his 25th major at Flushing Meadows. She was also unsure if Djokovic would have the same motivation after his Olympic triumph.

 “I think if he wins the 25th major, I would think he would leave the game. I mean, I don’t know, he would break that tie with Margaret Court. He’s won the Olympics.”

“That was such a big goal for him, winning the Olympics. As far as winning the US Open, does the 25th mean as much? Can he get that energy going as much as he got in the Olympics?”

Although Evert questioned whether the 25th major means as much to Djokovic, she acknowledged that the Serbian is incredibly driven and seems to be in a great place.

“He’s a very driven person beyond anybody that I’ve ever seen. He’s had a lot of ups and downs in his life, in his marriage, in his personal relationships, I think, because of being so driven.”

“He also has worked everything out. He’s a communicator and he works things out. He seems to be in the best place he’s been in a long time right now.”

McEnroe expressed his admiration for Djokovic ahead of the US Open. The seven-time Grand Singles champion is amazed by his ability to stay motivated for so long, something McEnroe could not do during his career.

“I’m amazed he’s kept this motivated for this long. I wish I knew. I would have been able to keep myself going. When I started to lose something physically, was juggling family and other stuff, I had a hard time figuring out how to get the right mix, and I never did. That was starting from my late 20s.”

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Source: The Wall Street Journal