# Tennis legends legacy and player rankings > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tennis-legends-legacy-and-player-rankings > Updated: 2026-09-08T18:24:25.000Z. Sources: 45. Developments: 7. Discussions regarding the legacy of tennis legends continue to emerge from coaching and player perspectives. Goran Ivanisevic, who coached Novak Djokovic between 2018 and 2024, identified Djokovic as potentially the greatest player in history, describing a playing style that ‘catches and suffocates’ opponents. As Djokovic approaches age 40, his professional future remains a central topic. He has reiterated his intention to potentially retire following the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, describing the event as a ‘dream and a goal’. However, he noted that his ability to compete will depend on his physical and mental health. Recent developments have intensified speculation regarding his longevity. Following a first-round exit at the US Open—his first such loss in a Grand Slam in twenty years—Justine Henin suggested Djokovic may be undergoing a period of deep personal reflection. She noted that his performance has drifted from his career standards and emphasized that his decision regarding retirement is a private matter, stating, ‘It is a process that concerns only him.’ Medical expert Dr. Robi Sika, medical director of the PTPA, has attributed Djokovic’s recent health struggles, including vomiting and injury during major competitions, to the physiological effects of aging. Sika noted that muscle mass, heart rate, and fast muscle fibers weaken over time, making the demands of professional tennis harder to sustain. While former player Sam Querrey suggested 2027 could be Djokovic’s final year, others, such as Steve Johnson, point to his stated goal of the 2028 Olympics. Despite these concerns, Djokovic remains active and is registered for the upcoming tournament in Beijing. ## Claims - Dr. Robi Sika identifies aging as the primary factor behind Novak Djokovic's recent health issues. (single source) - Performance drivers such as maximum heart rate, muscle mass, and fast muscle fibers are weakening in the athlete. (single source) - Recovery efficiency between points, sets, and matches is decreasing. (single source) - Decades of strain have resulted in stiffer tendons and impacted joints and muscles. (single source) - Former tennis player Sam Querrey predicts Novak Djokovic may play his final tournament in 2027. (single source) - Steve Johnson noted Djokovic's expressed desire to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. (single source) - Novak Djokovic is registered to compete in the upcoming tournament in Beijing. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Novak Djokovic health issues attributed to aging by medical expert Dr. Robi Sika attributes Novak Djokovic's recent physical struggles and recovery issues to aging, while retirement speculation grows following his US Open exit. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novak-djokovic-health-issues-attributed-to-aging-by-medical-expert ### 2026-09-01: Justine Henin discusses Novak Djokovic’s career transition Justine Henin suggests Novak Djokovic may be entering a period of reflection as he faces changing performance standards and a shift in his competitive career. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/justine-henin-discusses-novak-djokovics-career-transition ### 2026-08-22: Novak Djokovic discusses marriage and retirement reflections Novak Djokovic discusses the importance of communication in his marriage, while his wife, Jelena, addresses his mixed feelings regarding potential retirement from professional tennis. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novak-djokovic-discusses-marriage-and-retirement-reflections ### 2026-08-20: Novak Djokovic faces retirement questions amid internal struggles As Novak Djokovic nears 40, Andre Agassi has advised him to consider retirement to focus on family, while Djokovic admits to ongoing self-doubt and the intense pressure of his professional drive. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novak-djokovic-faces-retirement-questions-amid-internal-struggles ### 2026-08-18: Novak Djokovic targets 2028 Olympics for potential retirement Novak Djokovic has revealed his goal to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, potentially marking the end of his professional tennis career. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novak-djokovic-targets-2028-olympics-for-potential-retirement ### 2026-08-16: Novak Djokovic aims to retire after 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Novak Djokovic aims to retire from professional tennis following the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, expressing a wish to finish his career representing Serbia. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/novak-okovi-reveals-his-top-five-greatest-tennis-players ### 2026-08-10: Goran Ivanisevic analyzes the impact of Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal Goran Ivanisevic identifies Novak Djokovic as potentially the greatest and most complete tennis player, while praising Roger Federer’s elegance and Rafael Nadal’s competitive intensity. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/goran-ivanisevic-analyzes-the-impact-of-djokovic-federer-and-nadal --- Cite as: Tennis legends legacy and player rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tennis-legends-legacy-and-player-rankings