Novak Djokovic, one in all tennis’ most adorned champions, is as soon as once more dealing with questions on retirement as his trophy haul for 2024 has been modest in comparison with his regular dominance.
At 37, Djokovic’s lone victory this 12 months is the Paris Olympics gold, making it his quietest season since 2005 when he first joined the senior tour.
With the Serbian star amassing fewer titles, hypothesis has arisen that Djokovic might quickly name it quits, with some hoping he’ll go away the sport on a excessive be aware fairly than be compelled out by damage.
Nevertheless, Djokovic would not share that outlook. In actual fact, he nonetheless feels pushed to win extra Grand Slams, making it clear that retirement is not on his thoughts simply but.
Djokovic’s ardour stays sturdy
“Deep down, I nonetheless really feel like I’ve a number of extra Grand Slams to win,” Djokovic stated in an interview with La Nacion. “That is what motivates me to maintain going, to really feel like I can nonetheless obtain it.
“Tennis remains to be the largest platform for me to share the messages I care about most, and I nonetheless benefit from the course of.”
Djokovic acknowledged that there are differing opinions relating to his potential retirement.
“Some folks assume I ought to retire on a excessive be aware after successful Olympic gold. Others imagine I ought to maintain going so long as I am in competition for Grand Slams,” he defined.
“Proper now, I am leaning in the direction of the latter. Perhaps I am going to change my thoughts quickly, however for now, I really feel sorry for individuals who need me to retire as a result of I am not finished but.”
What drives Djokovic to proceed
Djokovic’s profession has seen him outlast most of his nice contemporaries.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal each needed to step again attributable to accidents, and whereas Andy Murray has fought his approach again, he is struggled to reclaim his earlier kind.
Tennis legend Chris Evert even predicted in August that Djokovic may retire if he secures a file twenty fifth Grand Slam title on the U.S. Open. Nevertheless, a shocking third-round exit thwarted that risk.
Along with chasing his twenty fifth main title, which might break his tie with Evert for many Grand Slams, Djokovic has his eyes set on one other profession milestone: successful his one centesimal ATP title.
He almost achieved that mark earlier this month however fell brief within the ultimate in opposition to Jannik Sinner in Shanghai.
For now, Djokovic stays laser-focused on pushing his profession ahead, leaving little question that he nonetheless believes there’s extra to perform on the court docket.
