Tomas Berdych Explains Why Novak Djokovic Hasn’t Retired Yet: A Single Driving Force Behind His Longevity
Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players in history, continues to defy expectations and dominate the sport well into his late thirties. While many of his contemporaries have hung up their rackets, Djokovic shows no signs of slowing down. Recently, former world No. 4 Tomas Berdych offered his insights into the remarkable longevity of the Serbian legend, pinpointing a key factor that has kept Djokovic at the pinnacle of tennis when others have stepped away.
Berdych, who faced Djokovic numerous times during his career, highlighted the one driving force that separates the 24-time Grand Slam champion from others: an insatiable hunger for success. This relentless pursuit of greatness, Berdych suggested, is what keeps Djokovic motivated and performing at such an extraordinary level even as the challenges of age and competition intensify.
Novak Djokovic: A Testament to Longevity
In a sport that demands exceptional physical fitness, mental resilience, and unwavering dedication, it is rare for players to remain at the top past their early thirties. For Djokovic, now 37, his continued dominance is nothing short of extraordinary. He has consistently broken records, outlasted rivals, and redefined what it means to age in tennis.
In recent years, tennis has seen several legends bid farewell to the game. Roger Federer retired in 2022 after struggling with injuries, while Rafael Nadal has hinted that his career may soon come to a close. Andy Murray, once part of the “Big Four,” has been battling physical setbacks and a hip surgery that significantly impacted his career. Yet Djokovic remains not just competitive but dominant, a fact that leaves fans and analysts marveling at his unparalleled consistency.
Berdych’s Analysis: The Will to Keep Winning
According to Berdych, what sets Djokovic apart is his unmatched hunger for success. “For Novak, it’s not just about playing tennis,” Berdych explained in a recent interview. “It’s about winning, breaking records, and being the absolute best. That drive is what keeps him going, even when most players would have considered retirement.”
Berdych, who retired in 2019, emphasized how challenging it is to maintain the mental focus and physical condition required to compete at the highest level year after year. “Tennis is a grueling sport,” he said. “The travel, the training, the constant pressure—it takes a toll. But Novak thrives on that. He doesn’t just endure it; he uses it as fuel to keep pushing himself further.”
Chasing History: Djokovic’s Ultimate Motivation
One of the most compelling aspects of Djokovic’s career has been his relentless pursuit of history. Whether it’s claiming the most Grand Slam titles, securing the longest reign as world No. 1, or setting countless other records, Djokovic’s career has been defined by his ambition to go beyond what anyone thought was possible.
Having already surpassed Federer and Nadal in major titles, Djokovic’s quest for greatness has shifted towards achieving unparalleled dominance. He continues to chase records that may never be broken, including his incredible consistency across all surfaces and tournaments.
“Every match, every title is a chance for him to cement his legacy,” Berdych noted. “That’s what drives him. He’s not satisfied with being among the greatest—he wants to be the greatest, period.”
The Physical and Mental Toll
Despite his continued success, Djokovic is not immune to the physical challenges that come with age. Over the years, he has had to adapt his training regimen, recovery strategies, and playing style to stay competitive. His dedication to fitness and nutrition, as well as his use of innovative recovery techniques, has been instrumental in extending his career.
Berdych acknowledged these efforts but also pointed to Djokovic’s mental strength as a crucial factor. “Novak’s mental toughness is on another level,” he said. “Even when he’s not at his physical best, his ability to stay focused and fight through adversity is remarkable. That’s something you can’t teach—it’s what separates the greats from the rest.”
The Role of Competition
Another factor contributing to Djokovic’s longevity is his enduring rivalry with some of the greatest players in history. Federer, Nadal, and Murray pushed Djokovic to elevate his game, and now, a new generation of stars, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, is providing fresh challenges.
“Novak thrives on competition,” Berdych explained. “He’s not the type to back down just because there’s a new wave of talent coming through. If anything, it motivates him even more to prove that he can still compete with and beat the best.”
Indeed, Djokovic’s recent battles with Alcaraz, the rising star many see as the heir to the throne, have showcased his ability to adapt and remain relevant in a sport that is constantly evolving.
The Emotional Connection to Tennis
Beyond the records and rivalries, Djokovic’s love for the game is another reason he hasn’t retired. Despite the controversies and criticisms he has faced throughout his career, Djokovic remains deeply passionate about tennis. He often speaks about how much he enjoys competing, the thrill of performing on the biggest stages, and the joy of representing his country.
For Berdych, this emotional connection is just as important as Djokovic’s hunger for success. “Novak truly loves the sport,” he said. “That’s why he’s still here. It’s not just about winning—it’s about the joy he gets from playing and the impact he knows he’s making.”
What the Future Holds
While Djokovic shows no signs of slowing down, the question of retirement is inevitable. Berdych believes that when the time comes, Djokovic will leave on his own terms, likely after achieving everything he set out to accomplish.
“Novak is the kind of player who will retire when he feels he has nothing left to prove,” Berdych said. “Until then, we can expect him to keep pushing boundaries and rewriting history.”
For now, Djokovic’s focus remains firmly on the present. With his eyes set on more Grand Slam titles and continued dominance, the Serbian legend is proving that age is just a number. And as Berdych aptly summed up, “As long as he has that hunger, Novak Djokovic will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.”