Nadia Petrova has offered a sobering perspective on what 2026 could bring for the top-10 group, and particularly Novak Djokovic.
The Russian could see the legend leavethe elite company next year, mainly because of his age and physical struggles.
As former world no. 3 highlighted, the contrast in the exclusive group is stark. Novak is by far the oldest year-end top-10 player at 38, followed by Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz, who were born ten years after him.
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The majority of the group is younger than 26, which confronts the 24-time Major winner with youth, power and relentless physicality. In Petrova's words, the margin for error is shrinking with every season.
On the other hand, Djokovic's 2025 campaign still delivered silverware. Despite reduced schedule and physical issues throughout the year, the Belgrade native wrapped up the season in the top-4 for the 17th time in the previous 19 years.
That achievement speaks volumes and gives the veteran a boost ahead of 2026. After all, Novak remains eager to chase that elusive 25th Major crown next year and earn a big win over Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner.
Most importantly, Djokovic collected all four Major semi-finals in the season ahead of us, which is enough to keep him in the top-10 without entering any other tournament!
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Still, Nadia underlined his failure to reach a Major final and challenge the dominant duo of men's tennis.Younger rivals now sustain intensity across stretches and recover more quickly between extended battles.
As Petrova sees the challenge, it's less about skill and more about sustainability. Thus, maintaining a top-10 spot becomes increasingly difficult for a player who has already pushed the limits of longevity like few before him.
Injuries, recovery time, and selective scheduling could all influence whether Novak can accumulate the points required to remain among the elite. He had no issues with that in 2025, and the new season brings new challenges.
The Belgrade native will kick off the 2026 journey in Adelaide, hoping to gain a boost ahead of his beloved Australian Open. It should be another defining chapter in a career that has constantly defied expectations.
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The desire and will are still there. However, it's all about will his body allow him to keep up with a generation built for a faster and more physically demanding era.
One thing is clear. We should never underestimate Djokovic and his ability to bring his finest tennis on the most notable scene.
"Who will leave the top-10 in 2026? That's a very interesting question. It could even be Novak himself. After all, if you consider age, all the players in the top-10 are around 23.
Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz are 28, and he is 38. This year, Novak has certainly won two tournaments, but he has not reached a Major final. With every season, it's getting harder and harder for him to stay competitive physically," Nadia Petrova said.
