Djokovic set to take a break from tennis?

Matt Lewis | Yahoo Sport UK

16 June 2017 at 10:03 pm

Novak Djokovic has hinted he's considering walking away from tennis for a while in the wake of his French Open humiliation.

Djokovic was knocked out of Roland Garros in the quarter-finals by Dominic Thiem, the 20-year-old recording a dominant straight-sets victory.

The loss capped off a miserable 12 months for Djokovic and saw him drop outside the world's top 2 for the first time since 2011.

"I'm thinking about many things...it's not an easy decision to make, but I will see how I feel after Roland Garros and then decide what to do," he said.

Djokovic's spokesman this week confirmed he was back in his homeland spending some time with his family.

It is understood the former world No. 1 is considering making an appearance at the Boodles tournament in Buckinghamshire like in previous years.

Former World No.4 Tim Henman was recently asked about the possibility of Djokovic taking an extended break from tennis.

Henman thinks Roger Federer, who put his feet up rather than playing at Roland Garros, proves you can take a rest from the game.

However, the former British ace fully expects Djokovic to pick up his racquet for the return of the grass-court season this summer.

"You can take six months off and come back and win a slam – that's what Federer has done," he told Yahoo Sport UK.

"When we are dealing with players of this calibre, when we try and have our rules of what a schedule should be like, they don’t really apply at that level.

"With most normal people you would think taking six months out of the game it would be difficult to find the rhythm of your game but those guys are such incredible players.

"There aren't many people who have got to that level. This era can't be compared to any other era. It's incredible.

"I'd be very surprised if Djokovic was to miss Wimbledon. He's had a difficult time but he's shown a lot of positive signs. Andre Agassi looks like he could help.

"Wimbledon is the biggest tournament in the world. If he's fit and healthy then why would he miss it? I'd be surprised.

"You reflect only 12 months ago and he was winning four slams in a row. There's only one way to go from there. He's had his issues, he's talked about those, and he's not playing as well as he was.

"But he also says he’s up for the challenge. Take things in perspective though, he's won 12 slams so I don't think we need to worry about him too much.

"Is it between the ears? I think it is but only as long as you have the physical and technical attributes as well. You can't be lacking in any areas."