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Djokovic’s unexpected retirement revelation tied to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer© AFP via Getty Images

Novak Djokovic’s retirement bombshell: “Margaritas on the beach” with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

The Serbian envisions a beachside toast with Nadal and Federer, honoring the Big Three legacy with margaritas, memories, and mutual respect.


JULY 3, 2025 5:51 PM EDT

Novak Djokovic keeps making history. This time, he’s chasing his eighth Wimbledon title. After a straight-sets win over Dan Evans on Thursday, moving into the third round at the All England Club, Djokovic was asked if he ever reflects on his long career, which started in 2003 when he was just 16. He said he rarely does, explaining that right now he's focused on staying in shape and ready to compete. 

Daniel Evans (right) after his defeat to Novak Djokovic on day four of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London. © PA Images via Getty Images
Daniel Evans (right) after his defeat to Novak Djokovic on day four of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London.

Djokovic's fitness has always stood out for his discipline, dedication, and athleticism. His talent, combined with his fitness, has kept him at the top of the game for an extended period. Since Nadal and Federer stepped away from the game, talk around Novak Djokovic’s own retirement has only grown. Every move, particularly today's joke about sipping margaritas on the beach with his longtime rivals, is being interpreted by fans. 

In classic Djokovic fashion, he blended sincerity with humor when asked about reflecting on his journey: “...I don't reflect fully on everything that I have been through,” Djokovic admitted. I would like to. "But I think that's going to come probably when I set the racket aside and then sip margaritas on the beach with Federer and Nadal and just reflect on our rivalry and everything."

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The epic rivalry of the 'Big Three': Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer

The rivalry between Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic, known as the 'Big Three,' is considered the greatest in tennis history. Since the early 2000s, they have dominated the sport with a combined 66 Grand Slam titles and 46 major finals between them.

Rafael Nadal of Spain with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during his presentation ceremony paying tribute to his career on a packed Court Philippe-Chatrier during the 2025 French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on May 25th, 2025, in Paris, France. © Getty Images
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer of Switzerland on stage during the ATP Heritage Celebration at The Waldorf=Astoria on August 23, 2013 in New York City.© Getty Images
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer of Switzerland on stage during the ATP Heritage Celebration at The Waldorf=Astoria on August 23, 2013 in New York City.

Federer was known for his grace and fluid style, Nadal excelled on clay courts with his intensity and strength, while Djokovic was recognized for his unmatched consistency and mental toughness.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in tears after their doubles game v Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock, the final match before Federer's retirement, during day one the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena on September 23rd 2022 in Greenwich, London.© Getty Images
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in tears after their doubles game v Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock, the final match before Federer's retirement, during day one the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena on September 23rd 2022 in Greenwich, London.

Federer retired in September 2022 after playing his final match at the Laver Cup alongside Nadal. Nadal followed in 2024, saying the season would likely be his last. He said goodbye to the sport at the French Open that year.

A projection showing Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal with the Eiffel Tower in the background can be seen at Trocadéro as a tribute for his retirement on November 19, 2024, in Paris, France. © Getty Images
A projection showing Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal with the Eiffel Tower in the background can be seen at Trocadéro as a tribute for his retirement on November 19, 2024, in Paris, France.

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