Novak Djokovic insists he still has “gas left in the tank” to notch up more milestones despite retirement calls
Novak Djokovic is still searching for his 100th career title and 25th Grand Slam as he turns 38 next month.
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Novak Djokovic (Image via X)
Novak Djokovic has won all there is to win in tennis and if he does retire now, he will certainly end his career as one of the greatest players, if not the greatest player to ever grace the court. The 37-year-old has been falling short of his usual heights in recent months, which has led to the call for his retirement. But the Serbian legend insists he still has it in his tank to fight for more milestones.
Djokovic made several records in 2023, a season he was the best player on the Tour despite opposition from youngsters. In fact, at the US Open that year he extended his Grand Slam record to 24, becoming the first player to do so. However, since the start of last season, he hasn’t been able to win any major title.
He hasn’t won a single tour-level title since claiming the 2023 ATP Finals in Turin. Nonetheless, the former World No.1 joined the exclusive club of players to complete the Career Golden Slam after winning the Olympic gold singles medal in Paris, which took his tally to 99 career titles. He has been stuck at that level since July and has failed to win his 100th title.
Missing out on winning his 25th Grand Slam and 100 titles has become a worry for tennis fans and media, which has seen a call for his retirement as he nears 38. But Djokovic doesn’t believe that as he aims to win more titles and reach more career milestones.
No, I don’t think so. You never know. Let’s see. I still feel like I have some gas left in the tank. I feel like, as I have proven, you know, in Australia and Miami, that I can still play on a high level. And that gives me still satisfaction to be on the court and compete. I know that there’s a group of people that thinks that I should leave tennis on a high, which I understand. A lot of people thought that I should call it quits after a gold medal last year. But let’s see what the future brings.
Novak Djokovic said via ESPN
Djokovic reached his final of the season at the Monte Carlo Masters in March but lost to Jakub Mensik in straight sets. Despite being the favorite to win the title, he had to settle for runners-up place.
Novak Djokovic aims to find balance between his professional life and family
Novak Djokovic has had a busier schedule this season than in 2024, when he opted to skip several tournaments, including ATP Masters 1000 events. This year, he has already featured in five tournaments and is set for his sixth at the Monte Carlo. However, despite focusing on his career, he’s also focused on spending more time with his family this season.
I’m trying to have the balancing act as I go along. When I say ‘balancing act,’ what I mean is to really find a nice equilibrium between professional life and private life, and to be content with what I’m doing and how I’m doing it and still be able to motivate myself to keep going, not just on tournaments, but also practice weeks, day after day.
Novak Djokovic said
Djokovic has constantly been on the road for more than a decade of his career. He has two young children: his son, Stefan, is 10, and his daughter, Tara, is 7. He sometimes takes them with him during events.
Novak Djokovic retirement might be nearer than expected
Novak Djokovic is closer to retirement than ever. The Serbian is just one month or so away from his 38th birthday and he might increasingly be losing motivation. After losing to Jakub Mensik at the Miami Open final, he revealed that he was disappointed at the defeat after playing some of his best tennis in the tournament.
When Djokovic is not at his best he doesn’t win titles; when he pushes himself to be at his best, he fails to clinch the ultimate title in the end. It has been a disappointing trend in the former World No.1’s career since he lifted the 2023 ATP Finals. He now seeks to earn his career milestone by winning his 100th career title in Monte Carlo.
But he must learn from his former competitors – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – who did everything to compete, but their bodies couldn’t let them. The only great thing about Djokovic at this time is that he has better physical fitness than the aforementioned duo, but he is not at the level of the current youngsters who are eager for titles.
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