Retirement possibilities have circled Novak Djokovic over the last two years, marking the eventual end of an era dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and the Serbian great. That era can't be entirely closed until Djokovic walks away, but despite the retirement talk, and some of it coming out of his own mouth even, his latest achievement proves it may not be time yet.
Djokovic is on the verge of turning 39, and at times this year his elder statesmanship showed, while at other times it did not. With the Nitto ATP Finals closing out the 2025 season this past weekend, Djokovic was forced to withdraw from the event due to a shoulder injury.
It wasn't exactly how he wanted to end the year. Still, there is a positive note to take away from it all — a historic, record-breaking note that only increases Djokovic's case for tennis GOAT status, if he wasn't already cemented as such. And, as has been the case in recent years, his newest achievement lifted him above Federer and Nadal yet again.
Novak Djokovic is now the all-time leader in ATP top-four year-end finishes
Both Federer and Nadal finished in the top four 15 times throughout their careers, and now Djokovic has just made it his 16th time. It's his latest accomplishment that further separates him from his two rivals. He already has more Grand Slams — 24 to Federer's 20 and Nadal's 22 — and more Masters titles — 40 to Federer's 28 and Nadal's 36.
Additionally, Djokovic is the only player in history to achieve Career Golden Masters by winning all nine active Masters 1000 tournaments. Remarkably, he has completed this twice, while Federer and Nadal never reached it.
What's incredible about Djokovic's year-end finish record is that four of those finishes were at No. 1, and eight in all, which is another record. His 16 top-four finishes began in 2007 (3rd), then carried on to 2008 (3rd), 2009 (3rd), 2010 (3rd), 2011 (1st), 2012 (1st), 2013 (2nd), 2014 (1st), 2015 (1st), 2016 (2nd), 2018 (1st), 2019 (2nd), 2020 (1st), 2021 (1st), 2023 (1st), 2025 (4th).
Breaking this record and passing his two greatest rivals along the way is a historic accomplishment, yes. However, Djokovic isn't done when it comes to another significant record he still has time to pursue and reach, should he play another year at least.
Earlier in the year, Djokovic captured singles titles in Geneva and Athens, marking his 100th and 101st career titles. As it stands, he's two shy of Federer's mark (103). Djokovic has already passed Nadal (92), who surprisingly never reached the 100 mark before retiring. Federer's mark isn't far away, and you can probably bet that Djokovic has this record on his mind going into the 2026 season.
Djokovic is also still chasing that elusive 25th Grand Slam, but the emerging forces of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have made that chase all the more challenging of late.
The reality of Djokovic winning No. 25 could be far and away, but there's no doubt he can still play at a high level on tour with the younger guns. I mean, he just finished in the top four, again. At almost 39 years old, he surely has one more year in him, yes?