Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in motion throughout his semi-final match towards Italy’s Jannik Sinner.
| Photograph Credit score: Reuters
Novak Djokovic has no plans to retire from tennis with the 24-times Grand Slam winner citing NBA nice LeBron James, former NFL participant Tom Brady and veteran footballer Cristiano Ronaldo as his inspiration to maintain enjoying.
The 38-year-old’s final Grand Slam win got here in 2023, however the Serbian reveals no indicators of slowing down having reached the semis of all 4 majors this yr and is at present ranked quantity 5 on the planet.
“Longevity is certainly one of my greatest motivations. I actually wish to see how far I can go,” Djokovic stated on the Pleasure Discussion board in Riyadh.
“If you happen to see throughout all the worldwide sports activities, LeBron James, he is nonetheless going robust, he is 40, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady performed until he was 40-something years outdated.
“I imply, it is unbelievable. They’re inspiring me as nicely. So I wish to preserve going and that is one of many motivations I’ve.”
Djokovic was additionally wanting to be part of his sport’s evolving future.
“I wish to additionally dwell to see, dwell that means nonetheless carry on enjoying professionally, to see the change that’s coming for our sport,” he stated.
“And I am tremendous enthusiastic about it. I really feel like tennis is a sport that may be tremendously, and might be tremendously remodeled.
“I wish to be a part of that change. I wish to be not simply a part of that change, however I wish to be enjoying after we form of rejuvenate our sport and set the brand new platform that’s going to go on for many years to return.”
Djokovic, who gained his a hundredth profession title in Geneva this yr, was requested whether or not the youthful gamers, the likes of Sinner and Alcaraz, might want to beat him into retirement.
“I am sorry to disappoint them, it is simply not taking place,” he stated.
Revealed – October 17, 2025 05:38 am IST
