Novak Djokovic is one of the most decorated tennis players in history, and as he nears the twilight of his career, he has begun to reflect on what he hopes his legacy will be both on and off the court. With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name—the most by any male player in the history of tennis—Djokovic’s achievements are unparalleled, but the Serbian star wants his impact to extend far beyond the tennis world. In a recent interview, Djokovic opened up about his aspirations for his legacy, revealing that he hopes to inspire young people not just through his success in tennis, but by encouraging them to live healthier and more active lives.
Djokovic, who has two children of his own, is acutely aware of the influence he can have on younger generations, particularly those who may be struggling with self-doubt or unsure about their ambitions. “I want to leave a legacy that will survive,” Djokovic said in an interview with *La Nacion*. “Of course, I am proud of my achievements on a global level, but I would like my main legacy to be to inspire young people to lead a healthier life through activities, sports, being conscious of what they do, and obviously, if I can, to encourage them to pick up a racket and play tennis.”
Djokovic’s success on the court is undeniable. He has dominated the men’s game for over a decade, competing fiercely alongside two other legends, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, in what many consider the golden era of men’s tennis. With Federer having retired in 2022 and Nadal announcing that he will call time on his career after the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, Djokovic will soon stand alone as the last active member of this historic trio. While all three players will leave behind extraordinary legacies, Djokovic is particularly focused on how his influence might inspire others beyond his trophies and records.
“I would like to see more tennis players because it is a beautiful sport that can bring positive things to your life,” Djokovic continued. “It allows you to see the world, something that not all sports allow you to do. If it had not been for tennis, I would never have seen so much of the world in my life.”
Djokovic’s story of falling in love with tennis is a deeply personal one, and it reveals his belief in destiny and the power of circumstances. He recalled watching Pete Sampras win Wimbledon for the first time and being immediately captivated by the sport. “I fell in love with tennis when I saw the Wimbledon final on television with Pete Sampras, when he won for the first time and I said to myself, ‘What is this sport?!’” Djokovic remembered. “The next day, of course: ‘Dad, buy me a racket,’ and that’s how it all started.”
What makes Djokovic’s journey even more remarkable is the sheer unlikelihood of his rise to tennis stardom. Growing up in war-torn Serbia, opportunities for athletic training and development were scarce, especially in a sport like tennis, which was not widely popular in his country at the time. But fate intervened in a way that seemed almost miraculous. “I believe in destiny, I believe that everything happens for a reason, there are no coincidences,” Djokovic said. “When I was four or five years old, they were building three tennis courts 50 meters from my parents’ restaurant.”
This construction project, which took place in a mountain vacation spot where his family would often visit, proved to be the spark that ignited Djokovic’s passion for tennis. “What are the odds of something like that happening? Back then, there were no courts, especially in that place. I would go to help the builders, hand them something to drink, and they would let me help build those courts with my own hands. And I fell in love with it,” he shared. “I said to myself: ‘I’m building the courts that I see on TV. That’s it for me: I’m going all in with this sport.’”
Despite the challenges, Djokovic’s parents supported his dream, even though it was financially straining for them. “I’m very grateful to my parents for giving me so much support because at that time it was very, very difficult for them to buy me an extra racket or shoes or pay the coach,” Djokovic said. His parents’ sacrifices are something he has never forgotten, and they have motivated him to remain grounded and focused on giving back. “So I always tried to keep all that in mind and, speaking of legacy, I also tried to be an example.”
Djokovic’s story is one of resilience and determination, a narrative that has resonated with fans around the world. His rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest athletes of all time is a testament to his hard work and relentless pursuit of excellence. But for Djokovic, it’s not just about the trophies or the records. It’s about using his platform to inspire the next generation, not only to play tennis but to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
As he looks toward the next chapter of his life, Djokovic has hinted that he may return to his roots in Serbia once his playing days are over. “I have seen so much of the world that I want to go back to my country, to my region, because I miss it,” he admitted. His connection to his homeland remains strong, and it’s clear that he hopes to continue making a positive impact, whether through sports or other ventures, long after he has retired from the court.
Djokovic’s legacy is already secure, with his 24 Grand Slam titles cementing his place in tennis history. However, it’s his desire to inspire and uplift others that will likely define how he is remembered in the years to come. Whether through his foundation, his work with young athletes, or simply by setting an example of perseverance and dedication, Novak Djokovic hopes his legacy will be about more than just tennis—it will be about giving people hope, encouraging them to dream big, and helping them realize that anything is possible with the right mindset and support.