Rick Macci suggests Novak Djokovic should retire if the Serbian's poor form continues after early Madrid Open loss

Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic has suffered a handful of early exits this season, and the 24-time Grand Slam champion could be forced to hang up his racket if his poor form continues, according to renown coach Rick Macci.

The Serbian fell to Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the opening round of the 2025 Madrid Open. This comes after Djokovic has been eliminated in the opening rounds in three of the last four tournaments he's entered, with his runner-up finish at the Miami Open being his best finish this season.

The American coach has been instrumental in training several Grand Slam champions during their youth, including the likes of Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick. Macci believes that Djokovic may be losing his motivation to play, and therefore should consider hanging up his racket should his poor form continue.

"If the Serbian Sniper has lost that Desire and he lacks the fire to climb higher and grind the opponent to Perspire and he feels he cannot climb Higher then what enters his head is to Retire. @DjokerNole," wrote Macci on Twitter on Monday.

At the age of 37, the Serbian's best years may be behind him. However, only time will tell if Djokovic is able to overcome his recent struggles and return to his title-winning ways.