At 37, Novak Djokovic stands as a towering figure in tennis, with a record 24 Grand Slam titles, 428 weeks as world No. 1, and an Olympic gold medal to his name. Yet, even after achieving what many consider the pinnacle of the sport, the Serbian superstar remains unsatisfied, driven by a relentless hunger to push the boundaries of greatness. In a candid interview ahead of the 2025 Madrid Open, Djokovic opened up about his motivation to stay at the top, revealing a mindset that thrives on the pursuit of more. “Obviously it’s challenging for me nowadays to produce the results I had when I was at my best,” he admitted. “Tennis is a sport where it’s necessary to nurture that mentality of, ‘It’s never enough’. Because once it’s enough, then it’s really enough and you have to put the racket aside. And I still… I still don’t feel it’s enough for me.”
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by flashes of brilliance and unexpected stumbles. His campaign began with a strong showing at the Australian Open, where he defeated Tomas Machac, Jiri Lehecka, and Carlos Alcaraz before a hamstring injury halted his run in the semifinals. However, early exits at the Monte-Carlo Masters against Alejandro Tabilo and at Madrid against Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets have raised questions about his consistency on clay. These losses, coupled with his decision to withdraw from the Italian Open, mean he’ll enter Roland Garros with just two clay matches under his belt—a risky proposition for a player chasing a fourth French Open title. “It doesn’t mean that I will never be able to do that again,” Djokovic said of his recent struggles, emphasizing that “greatness changes its shape” as he evolves as a person and player.
The Serbian’s insatiable drive stems from a career forged in adversity. Growing up in war-torn Serbia, Djokovic faced unimaginable challenges, from practicing in a drained swimming pool to hiding in basements during the 1999 Belgrade bombings. “I have been through two wars in my 24 years, and I know what it’s like to be without anything,” he once reflected. These hardships fueled his mental resilience, a trait that has set him apart from rivals like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. His ability to maintain a positive mindset—“I always try to stay positive and look at the bright side of things”—and his embrace of mindfulness have been key to his longevity. “I’ve done so much mindfulness that my brain functions better now automatically,” he explained, noting how he manages self-doubt even after errors on court.
Djokovic’s partnership with new coach Andy Murray, a former rival turned mentor, signals his commitment to evolve. Murray’s presence in Madrid, where Djokovic also attended a Real Madrid match and the Laureus Sports Awards, underscores his desire to stay engaged. “I’m trying to have the balancing act as I go along,” Djokovic said, describing his effort to harmonize professional ambition with personal fulfillment. His family—wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara—remains his anchor. “My priority, the most important thing in my life is my family,” he has stated, a sentiment that grounds him amidst the grind of the ATP Tour.
Despite his 99 career titles, Djokovic is fixated on reaching the century mark and surpassing Margaret Court’s 24 Grand Slam record. “If you tell me I’ll win my 100th title in any of the Slams this year, I’ll sign right away,” he said with a smile, though he tempered his optimism: “It’s a big mountain to climb, so, be a bit more humble about it.” Posts on X echo his defiance, with fans quoting him saying, “I am sorry for those who want me to retire, but they will have to see me for a little while longer.” His rivalry with younger stars like Alcaraz, whom he leads 5-3, remains fiercely competitive, as seen in their epic 2023 Wimbledon and Cincinnati battles.
As Djokovic prepares for Roland Garros, his motivation is twofold: personal joy and professional legacy. “I have had plenty of success in Australia, so that obviously feeds on my motivation,” he noted, a mindset he hopes to carry to Paris. Whether he’s chasing a 25th major or simply savoring the fight, Djokovic’s philosophy—“The winner is the one who believes in victory more”—continues to drive him. For a man who has redefined tennis, the quest for “enough” remains an elusive, exhilarating pursuit, ensuring his presence on the court will captivate fans for seasons to come.
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