Novak Djokovic, at 37, continues to be a dominant force in tennis, but recent events have sparked discussions about his retirement plans. After withdrawing from the Australian Open semifinals against Alexander Zverev due to a groin injury, speculation about his future intensified.
In a candid interview with GQ Sports, Djokovic reflected on his career’s twilight years, stating, “I am thinking about how I want to end it and when do I want to end it.” He emphasized that his decision would hinge on his physical ability to compete at the highest level, mentioning, “if I start to lose more and feel like there is a bigger gap… then I’ll probably call it a day.”
Family plays a significant role in Djokovic’s contemplation of retirement. His father, Srdjan Djokovic, has expressed a desire for his son to consider retiring soon. In an interview, Novak shared, “My dad is trying to retire me.” Despite this, Novak remains focused on competing, stating, “I still feel like I can beat the best players in the world in Grand Slams.”
While Djokovic has not set a definitive retirement date, he acknowledges the need to adjust his playing schedule. He plans to reduce the number of tournaments, concentrating on select events, particularly Grand Slams and the Davis Cup, to maintain competitiveness while managing physical demands.
Despite these considerations, Djokovic’s passion for tennis remains unwavering. He expressed a deep connection to the sport, stating, “My love for tennis will never fade away.” He envisions staying involved in various capacities post-retirement, feeling indebted to tennis for its contributions to his life.
As Djokovic navigates this transitional phase, his commitment to excellence and love for the game suggest that any decision regarding retirement will be carefully weighed, balancing personal desires, family influences, and his enduring passion for tennis.
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