Jack Draper backed to outshine Novak Djokovic amid calls for retirement
Jack Draper has enjoyed a stunning start to the 2025 season, breaking into the top 10 in the ATP rankings and winning his first Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells
Jack Draper has made a name for himself as one of the top players in the world this season. The British player broke into the top 10 after clinching his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells in March, defeating several formidable opponents along the way.
He's now ranked No. 5, one spot above tennis legend Novak Djokovic. Fans are confident that Draper won't stop there and predict he will surpass the achievements of the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic's performance this season has been less than stellar, with two three-match losing streaks, leading to suggestions that it might be time for him to retire.
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While Draper's star has been rising in 2025, Djokovic has shown signs of struggle. The British No.1 has built on his breakout season last year, which saw him win two titles and make it to the U.S. Open semi-final.
This season, he's already claimed the Indian Wells championship, reached another Masters final in Madrid, and was the runner-up in Doha.
Djokovic's journey has been more turbulent. He had some high points - reaching the Australian Open semi-final by defeating Carlos Alcaraz, and making it to the Miami Open final.
However, he's also had some unexpected early exits, and a thigh injury forced him to retire during his promising run in Melbourne in the semis. As we approach the midpoint of the season, Express Sport readers believe that Draper is set to outperform Djokovic.
British tennis player Draper has already secured a trophy this year, while Djokovic has yet to claim a title. In a poll, 79% of respondents predicted Draper would conclude 2025 with more titles, 12% anticipated a tie, and only 9% believed Djokovic would surpass him.
Contrary to Djokovic's intentions to continue playing as long as he remains motivated and competitive, many fans think he should consider retirement this season. 32% of fans suggested he should retire this summer, 46% recommended the end of the season, 14% proposed next year as his final year on tour, and only 8% believed he would persist into 2027 and beyond.
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Despite his recent inconsistent results and advancing age, Djokovic shows no signs of slowing down. "I'm not really used to these circumstances, with defeats coming one after the other in the first few rounds, even though I knew it would happen at some point," he said in Geneva this week.
"I'm proud of everything I've achieved in my career, but I still have the desire to do everything I can to reach my best level so I can win Grand Slam tournaments and beat the best players in the world.
"My motivation is still there, but it's a transition period where I need to understand how my body reacts, where I need to deal better with the circumstances."
