Jack Draper has been backed to win more than Novak Djokovic this year (Image: Getty)
Jack Draper has firmly cemented himself as one of the world’s best players this season. The Brit broke into the world’s top 10 when he won his first Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells in March, beating a flurry of tough opponents en route. He’s now sitting at a career-high ranking of No. 5, one place above tennis icon Novak Djokovic.
Fans believe Draper won’t stop there, backing him to outdo the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Djokovic has had a disappointing season so far, twice finding himself on a three-match losing streak, and he has now been told exactly when to hang up his racket.
While Draper has been on the rise in 2025, Djokovic has shown worrying signs. The British No. 1 built on the form he showed during his breakout season last year, which saw him lift two titles and reach the US Open semi-final.
So far this season, he’s been crowned the Indian Wells champion, reached another Masters final in Madrid, and finished runner-up in Doha.
It’s been a different story for Djokovic. There have been some highs – he beat Carlos Alcaraz to reach the Australian Open semi-final, and he got to the Miami Open final.
But he’s also suffered some uncharacteristic early exits, while a thigh injury derailed his impressive run in Melbourne and saw him retire in the semis.
Fans believe Novak Djokovic should retire at some point this year (Image: Getty)
Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
With almost half of the season nearly complete, Express Sport readers have now claimed that Draper will outdo Djokovic.
The Brit has already lifted one trophy, while Djokovic has zero for the year so far. A staggering 79 per cent of readers said Draper would end 2025 with more titles, while 12 per cent thought they’d be tied, and only nine per cent backed the Serb to win more.
Instead, most fans believe Djokovic should end his career at some point this season.
Retirement has been a huge talking point for the current world No. 6 in recent months, and he has repeatedly explained that he wants to continue to play as long as he is motivated and believes he can challenge the top players.
But 32 per cent of fans have told him to retire this summer, while another 46 per cent want to see him say goodbye at the end of the season. Meanwhile, 14 per cent say next year should be his last on tour, and only eight per cent think he will continue into 2027 and beyond.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
For now, Djokovic is showing no signs of slowing down, even if his results have been questionable and he is getting older.
“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.”
