3 bold predictions for Novak Djokovic in 2026 ft. 1 big Roger Federer record at risk

Novak Djokovic ended his 2025 season with a title win in Athens, showcasing his hunger for success amid growing talks about his retirement. The Serbian missed the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin due to a minor shoulder injury, but still finished as Year-End No. 4 in men's singles.

The 38-year-old hasn't set any retirement plans yet and seems to be preparing for the 2026 season by rebuilding his body. So, what is expected of him in 2026? He remains without a major title since his triumph at the US Open in 2023. He reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments this year and claimed two titles to overcome his winless 2024 season on the tour.

Going into the 2026 season, the record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title remains the ultimate target for the legend. He is also chasing a few other major records and milestones next year, but needs some bold results, especially against the top two-ranked Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. So, here are our three bold predictions for Novak Djokovic in 2026:

#1. Novak Djokovic eyes Roger Federer's Wimbledon and US Open records

Novak Djokovic already holds the record 10 Australian Open titles. His or anyone's chances of breaking Rafael Nadal's record of 14 French Open titles are next to impossible. But the Serbian can eye the record for most Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2026.

Roger Federer holds the record for most Wimbledon men's singles titles with eight, one more than Novak Djokovic. The Serbian won the most prestigious major in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Alcaraz famously defeated Djokovic in the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon finals, denying the latter an equal to Federer's record.

In the 2025 Wimbledon, Sinner ended sixth-seeded Djokovic's impressive run in the semifinals and won the tournament. Considering Sinner and Alcaraz hold the top two ranks, Djokovic must beat both the rising stars or hope for his rivals' early elimination to equal Federer's record for most Wimbledon titles.

Djokovic can join Federer in the US Open titles record in 2025. Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and the Swiss legend clinched five titles each at the last major of the season in the open era. Djokovic has won four US Open titles, in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2023, and can add more silverware to his cabinet with a title win at the Flushing Meadows in 2026.

#2. Novak Djokovic two titles away from Roger Federer's ATP tally

Novak Djokovic struggled heavily to get his hands on his 100th ATP singles title for over a year and a half. He claimed his 100th title with a triumph in Geneva in March this year and then wrapped up the season with his 101st title in Athens.

Novak Djokovic at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship 2025 in Athens - Image source: Getty

Djokovic is now only two titles behind Federer's 103 ATP singles titles and six behind record-holder Jimmy Connors' 109. The Serb played only two non-major events after his win in Geneva this year and is expected to be careful with his calendar in 2026, so winning three titles to surpass Federer's ATP tally will be a tough job.

#3. Novak Djokovic to retire after winning 25th Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic already holds the record for the most men's majors and is tied with Margaret Court's singles record with 24 Grand Slam titles. He dominated the No. 1 rankings for a record 427 weeks, won a record 40 masters and seven ATP Finals titles. The Serb won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, thus completing a long-awaited career Golden Slam in singles.

Winning a 25th major will be the icing on the cake for the Serb. Many, including great John McEnroe, thought he would retire after winning a major this season, but the moment never arrived. So, once again, the tennis community is likely to go gaga over the World No. 4's potential retirement whenever he reaches the semifinal of any Grand Slam event in 2026.

Considering the recent handling of his calendar amid growing struggles with injuries, Djokovic is likely to shift his entire focus to winning his 25th Grand Slam title and retire after that in 2026.