Novak Djokovic says what he’s ’leaning towards’ out of retiring or continuing to play tennis

Novak Djokovic, one of the most accomplished tennis players in the sport’s history, has often found himself at the center of speculation regarding the future of his career. With a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles to his name and an unparalleled dominance in men’s tennis over the past decade, Djokovic’s next move is one of the most highly anticipated decisions in the sporting world. Now, as fans and analysts alike wonder whether the Serbian legend is inching closer to retirement or gearing up for more years on the professional tour, Djokovic has finally provided insight into what he’s “leaning towards.”

 

Reflecting on an Extraordinary Career

 

At 37, Novak Djokovic continues to play with a level of intensity and skill that defies his age. He has not only outlasted his greatest rivals, including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but also continuously held off the younger generation of players like Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, who have been gunning for his throne. His 2023 season, where he clinched three out of the four Grand Slam titles, further solidified his place as one of the greatest—if not the greatest—of all time.

 

Yet, despite his remarkable success, Djokovic is well aware that time is a formidable opponent. The natural toll that years of competing at the highest level takes on the body, coupled with the mental exhaustion of remaining at the top, has prompted many to wonder whether Djokovic is contemplating the end of his legendary career.

 

In a recent interview, Djokovic finally addressed the big question: Will he continue playing, or is he thinking of retirement? The answer, though not definitive, sheds light on the mindset of the tennis icon.

 

“I’m Still Hungry, But…”

 

Speaking candidly, Djokovic explained that while he remains deeply passionate about the sport, the decision to keep playing or retire is not straightforward. “I’ve dedicated my life to tennis for more than 20 years,” he said. “Every achievement, every sacrifice, every win and loss—they’ve all been part of this incredible journey. I still feel the fire inside me when I step on the court. I still want to win, I still want to compete.”

 

However, Djokovic acknowledged that there are considerations beyond his competitive drive. “There are times when I feel my body speaking to me differently than before,” he continued. “Recovery is longer, and there are moments when I need to listen to that. I also think a lot about life after tennis, about my family, about what I want to do next. That’s where I’m at now—finding the balance between that hunger to keep going and the wisdom to know when it’s time.”

 

Though he stopped short of confirming any retirement plans, Djokovic did offer a telling hint about where his mind is leaning. “At this stage of my career, I’m not just playing for myself. I’m playing for my family, for my team, and for the people who have supported me. But, to be honest, I’m leaning towards continuing.”

 

Family, Legacy, and Life After Tennis

 

Djokovic’s remarks about his family provide further context for his internal debate. A father of two, Djokovic has often spoken about the importance of his role as a parent and how much he values time spent with his children. Balancing a globe-trotting career with the demands of fatherhood has been challenging, and it’s no secret that Djokovic is mindful of the sacrifices his family has made so that he can pursue his ambitions on the court.

 

“I don’t want to miss watching my children grow up,” Djokovic said. “My wife has been an incredible support throughout my career, and I owe so much to her. My kids are growing fast, and I want to be there for them in ways I haven’t always been able to while traveling and competing.”

 

Nevertheless, Djokovic’s competitive spirit remains strong. He acknowledges that retirement is inevitable but emphasizes that he’s not quite ready to step away from the game just yet. “When you’ve worked as hard as I have to achieve what I’ve achieved, it’s difficult to walk away. I’m fully aware that the time will come, but I don’t think I’ve reached that point yet.”

 

Djokovic has also expressed his desire to further cement his legacy in the sport. With Federer having retired and Nadal nearing the end of his career, Djokovic is the last of the “Big Three” still actively competing at the highest level. His accomplishments speak for themselves, but Djokovic has always been driven by the pursuit of excellence and the quest to push his limits.

 

“I believe I can still compete for the biggest titles. That’s my motivation,” Djokovic noted. “As long as I feel I can win and contribute to the sport, I want to keep going.”

 

The Future of Tennis Without Djokovic

 

Whether it happens in one year or five, Djokovic’s eventual retirement will mark the end of an era in tennis. The Big Three—Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal—have defined men’s tennis for more than 15 years, and their departure will leave a significant void in the sport.

 

The next generation of players has already begun to make its mark, with Alcaraz, Medvedev, and others showing their potential to carry the torch. However, Djokovic’s continued presence on the tour means that the younger players still have to contend with his dominance. His ability to adapt, stay fit, and remain mentally strong has been a testament to his longevity in a fiercely competitive era.

 

Despite the emerging talent in the sport, Djokovic’s potential exit will be bittersweet for tennis fans. His rivalry with Federer and Nadal produced some of the most thrilling matches in the sport’s history, and his pursuit of records has been an ongoing narrative that captivated the tennis world.

 

For now, though, Djokovic’s fans can breathe a sigh of relief. The Serbian superstar seems to be leaning towards continuing his career, eager to chase more milestones and add to his legacy. With his sights set on future titles, it’s clear that Djokovic is not ready to close this chapter just yet.

 

Conclusion: A Champion’s Next Steps

 

Novak Djokovic’s decision on whether to retire or continue playing is not one he takes lightly. His body, his family, his hunger for success, and his legacy all weigh heavily on his mind. For now, Djokovic appears to be leaning towards continuing his remarkable career, driven by his passion for the game and the belief that he can still compete at the highest level.

 

Fans of Djokovic and tennis enthusiasts around the world will no doubt be eager to see how much longer he will grace the courts with his brilliance. One thing is certain: whether he plays another year or another decade, Djokovic has already etched his name in the annals of tennis history, and his journey, whenever it ends, will be remembered as one of the greatest in the sport.