El Dude
The GOAT
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I hear what you are saying, but I think the question of whether Novak can win another Slam is bigger - or at least more impactful in terms of the tour and sport as a whole, even if it is a different kind of question. For Stan, it is really only a matter of how many more times he wants to step on court. He's so far from being anything close to an elite player, so even if he eeks it out for another year, it will be more of the same. In other words, the answer to the question doesn't really matter, except in terms of his presence. But with Novak, it potentially impacts the sport in a huge way. We're in a "will he, won't he" as far as returning to greatness. He's been pretty good this year with an Olympics Gold in his trophy room, but overall it has been his worst year since 2017, and the end looks near.
As I said, they're really two different types of questions, but Novak's future is far more impactful to the sport. Going into 2025, variations on the questions are: Is Novak done as a Slam winner or not? Can he recapture enough of what he was to hang tough with Sinner and Alcaraz for a bit longer, or is he more of a dangerous floater at this point?
I do think that 2025 will be his last year, regardless. With Rafa gone, his career accomplishments will remain unequalled for the foreseeable future - for at least a decade or more. Meaning, outside of his ability to defend in any way. If he doesn't win a Slam in 2025, I think it will be clear to him that the time has come - or at least formally retire at the 2026 AO. If he does win a Slam in 2025, it will be a good way to call it a career (#25 in 2025!).
I know, some here have suggested he'll stick around to try to defend his Gold in 2028, but I just don't see it. I mean, maybe?
WTF Machac!!! I’ve seen you play like that in much shorter spans and have always had hope for more. But you were out of your mind good in your match with Carlos. It may be that you played one great match and will return to earth, but maybe it‘s dropped a huge chunk of change in the confidence chest that you will be able to tap into going forward.
. I truly wonder will he have the same issues as Nadal when it comes to playing tennis in the Fall? So far his success has ended in the Summer allowing "old man" Novak to continue his dominance of the FALL season winning another Paris Indoor in '23 & 2 more YEC's, eclipsing Roger who had 6! Djokovic is playing well enough w/ a good draw to maybe acquire his 5th chp. here in Shanghai! He just might add another Paris Indoor & YEC! Ya never know w/ Sinner the main competition! 
