Serbia’s tennis legend Novak Djokovic has made it clear that retirement is not in his immediate plans, despite a wave of speculation and calls for him to hang up his racket. At 37, Djokovic is regarded as one of the greatest players in tennis history, having secured an astonishing 24 Grand Slam titles. With such an impressive résumé, many believe that he has nothing left to prove in the sport. Yet, Djokovic remains driven and still finds joy in competing at the highest level, making it clear that those hoping for his retirement might be waiting longer than expected.
In a recent interview, Djokovic addressed the growing speculation surrounding his future in professional tennis, especially after his historic Olympic gold medal win earlier this year. While 2024 has been a mixed season for the Serbian star, his Olympic triumph has filled the last major gap in his otherwise complete trophy cabinet. By defeating Spain’s rising star Carlos Alcaraz in a hard-fought final in Paris, Djokovic claimed the one title that had eluded him for his entire career. The final, which saw Djokovic win 7-6, 7-6, was a fitting climax to his Olympic journey and a testament to his enduring ability to perform under pressure.
Winning the Olympic gold medal, an accomplishment many thought might never happen for Djokovic, sparked widespread calls for him to consider retirement. Fans, pundits, and even some of his peers felt that winning everything, including the Olympics, was a perfect way to end a career that has been nothing short of extraordinary. However, Djokovic doesn’t seem to agree. In fact, he feels sorry for those who want him to retire, as he still has the passion and motivation to keep playing.
“I still feel that I enjoy the process, and it generates all these benefits for me, so why not do it?” Djokovic said, addressing the speculation about his retirement. “Some people think I should retire from tennis at the top: ‘You won gold, you won everything, say goodbye.’ Some people think I should keep going as long as I still think I can be the favorite for a Grand Slam. I think more like them. Maybe I will change my mind, I don’t know. For now, I feel like I want to keep going.”
Djokovic’s sentiments reflect the mindset of a champion who continues to find meaning and joy in the sport, despite having achieved every conceivable milestone. He emphasized that his decision to continue playing is driven by his love for the process—the training, the competition, and the pursuit of excellence. This perspective sets Djokovic apart from many athletes who feel the pressure to retire on a high note, especially after achieving a major career goal like winning an Olympic gold medal.
While Djokovic remains focused on the future, he acknowledges that the demands of professional tennis are becoming more challenging, particularly as he balances his career with his responsibilities as a father. “Traveling and finding motivation is becoming more difficult for me. It’s not easy. And even less so with children. I don’t want to be away from home for so long, but I still have the drive,” he admitted.
For Djokovic, family is now a major consideration in his career decisions. The time spent away from his children while on the ATP Tour is undoubtedly a sacrifice, but one he feels is still worth making for now. His ongoing drive to compete at the highest level shows that he is not yet ready to walk away from the game, even if the strain of balancing family and career is growing.
Djokovic’s 2024 campaign, while marked by the Olympic triumph, has also seen him experience something unfamiliar: a year without a Grand Slam title. This is the first time in seven years that Djokovic has failed to capture a Major trophy, a remarkable statistic given his dominance over the past decade. Yet, despite this, his Olympic gold win stands as a crowning achievement in what has already been a legendary career. The victory in Paris solidified his place as one of the greatest athletes of all time, not just in tennis, but in sports history.
Despite the calls for retirement, Djokovic remains focused on continuing his journey in tennis. He made it clear that as long as he feels he can still contend for Grand Slam titles and enjoys the process, he sees no reason to stop. “So I feel sorry for those who want me to retire, because they will have to see me for a while longer,” he said with a touch of humor.
Djokovic’s outlook underscores his commitment to competing at the highest level, even as he acknowledges that the road ahead may not be easy. With a body that has endured countless grueling matches and a family that now plays a central role in his life, the balance of motivations is shifting for the Serbian icon. Nevertheless, his passion for tennis remains strong, and his drive to succeed is as fierce as ever.
As Djokovic continues to defy expectations and push the boundaries of what’s possible in tennis, it’s clear that his story is far from over. Whether he adds to his already legendary list of accomplishments or simply continues to enjoy the process of competing, one thing is certain: Novak Djokovic is not ready to say goodbye just yet. For his fans, and perhaps much to the dismay of those eager to see him retire, Djokovic’s journey in tennis still has more chapters to unfold.