Novak Djokovic Makes ‘Angry’ Comment About Critics Telling Him to Retire

Novak Djokovic is in Basel for the Swiss Indoors. Before the ATP 500 event, the Serb competed at the Shanghai Masters, only to lose easily to Hubert Hurkacz in the opening round.

It marked his fourth opening-round defeat this season, following the Italian Open, Cincinnati Masters, and the US Open. He has so far played two finals this season, losing the Australian Open to Carlos Alcaraz and winning the China Open after being given the walkover by Alex de Minaur.

Djokovic is competing in Basel for the fourth time in his career. Ahead of the tournament, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, during his interview with Sportal, was asked whether he gets angry when critics tell him to retire.

Oh well, everything is there. As long as there are people, there will be speculation. It’s in people’s nature, and it’s not only here, but everywhere. People like to criticize, to judge, with insufficient information, but that’s not something I’m used to. I don’t pay attention. I’m not angry about that, I’m angry about some other things. Some much bigger things make me angry.

Novak Djokovic said

At the French Open, Joao Fonseca ended his run in the third round, while at Wimbledon, eventual champion Jannik Sinner beat him in the semifinals. Prior to his exit, Djokovic knocked Felix Auger-Aliassime out in a thrilling five-set quarterfinal.

Novak Djokovic on why he chose to play at the Swiss Indoors

Novak Djokovic skipped the ATP Finals in the previous two seasons. He is a seven-time champion in the event, last winning in 2023 by defeating Jannik Sinner.

At present, Djokovic is 11th in the race to Turin, and he wants to secure a spot in the final eight this time. Only three players have qualified for the year-end championships: Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Ben Shelton. Two-time defending champion Sinner won’t play as he has already ended his 2026 season due to his knee injury.

Ahead of starting his campaign in Swiss Indoors, Djokovic revealed why he signed up for the event.

I think throughout my career, I had quite a bit of success indoors. I always liked playing indoors, and I think particularly now at this stage of my career, with some physical health issues that I had in the last couple years, playing in extreme heat is not really my favorite thing anymore. So playing indoors is better for me because I’ll be able to have more energy, a sustained kind of feeling on the court, and I’ll hopefully be able to perform well.

Novak Djokovic said before the Swiss Indoors (H/T: ATP Tour)

Joao Fonseca is the defending champion in Basel, but he has ended his season due to an abdominal injury. Djokovic won this tournament once, in 2009, by defeating home favorite Roger Federer. The Swiss maestro beat him in the final the following year.

After the Swiss Indoors, Djokovic has planned to compete at the Paris Masters, which is set to start on November 2. Djokovic is a seven-time champion in the tournament, last winning in 2023. It was also his last Masters 1000 title.

Since that win, he has played two finals at this level: the 2024 Shanghai Masters and the 2025 Miami Open, losing both to Sinner and Jakub Mensik, respectively.

The ATP Finals runs from November 15 to November 22 in Turin. Djokovic won this title in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023. Djokovic last won a Big Title at the 2024 Paris Olympics, defeating Alcaraz. His last Major title was the 2023 US Open.

Also read: Novak Djokovic Explains Why Playing at Swiss Indoors Will Be ‘Easier’ Than Other Events