Novak Djokovic Extinguishes Retirement Rumors Ahead of the Australian Open: “I’m Still #4 In The World”

38-year-old Novak Djokovic is constantly asked about when he will retire. His contemporaries like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray have hung up their rackets. Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka are in their farewell year. However, Djokovic has been speaking over the past year about his dream to play until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

After having won every big title in tennis, the Serb is now looking to redefine longevity in sports, and the previous season is a testament to his incredible longevity. He reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams, defeated several top-ranked opponents in their prime, won two titles, and finished the 2025 season in the top five. As he commences his 2026 season, Djokovic, at the Australian Open press conference, once again reiterated his goals to continue and dispelled talks about retirement:

I’ve been asked a lot about when the end day is going to come for me, but I don’t wanna talk or think about it yet. I’m here. I’m competing. When that arrives and kind of becomes ripe in my head I’ll share it with you and we can all discuss a farewell tour. Right now I’m still #4 in the world, competing at the highest level. I feel there’s no need to draw the attention to that discussion.

Djokovic says there is no need to talk about retirement plans, ‘Right now I’m still #4 in the world, competing at the highest level. I feel there’s no need to draw the attention to that discussion’

“Often we hear athletes when they’re retired or nearing the end of their career,… pic.twitter.com/vkzxltNnXg

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 17, 2026

Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record 10 times, with his last title coming in 2023. This year, he will be looking to surpass Federer‘s record for the most Australian Open match wins. Djokovic will register 103 Australian Open match wins after a fourth-round victory at this year’s tournament, surpassing Federer’s record of 102 wins.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has some interesting matchups lined up for the fourth round. He could potentially face Jakub Mensik in this round. Mensik, who defeated Djokovic in the Miami Open final last year, just won the ASB Classic title, marking a strong start to his season.

Djokovic could also face Hubert Hurkacz in this round, another in-form player who guided Team Poland to the United Cup title this year. Djokovic will kick off his Melbourne campaign against Pedro Martinez, marking the first meeting between the two players.

Novak Djokovic attends the opening ceremony at the Australian Open, featuring Roger Federer

The Australian Open hosted its inaugural Opening Ceremony at Rod Laver Arena this year, drawing thousands of tennis fans across the world. The ceremony featured a star-studded exhibition doubles match with retired tennis stars. Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Lleyton Hewitt, and Patrick Rafter participated in “The Battle of the World No. 1s” and were also joined by Ash Barty, who made a surprise appearance.

This marked six-time champion Federer’s return to the Australian Open after six years. During the match, Federer spotted his longtime rival Novak Djokovic in the front row and went to greet him warmly.

A day earlier, Djokovic had also taken a look at the tie-break won by Federer against Casper Ruud at the Rod Laver Arena. The Happy Slam once again lived up to its name, delivering a memorable night for fans and giving a beautiful send-off to Federer, who never had a chance of a proper farewell here before.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic Reveals What He’s Lacking Against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in Grand Slam Matches Ahead of his 21st Australian Open Campaign