Novak Djokovic reveals what ‘feeling’ motivates him to continue playing after he ends losing streak in Miami

Novak Djokovic, who will turn 38 this May, has often dropped retirement hints due to his struggles to keep injuries at a distance.

Novak Djokovic reveals what ‘feeling’ motivates him to continue playing after he ends losing streak in Miami

Novak Djokovic (Image via Novak Djokovic's X account)

Novak Djokovic suffered three consecutive defeats this year for the first time since 2018 and the second time since 2008. After a hamstring injury forced him to call off his Australian Open semifinal match, Djokovic lost to Matteo Berrettini and Botic van de Zandschulp in the Qatar Open and Indian Wells, respectively.

Djokovic then kick-started his Miami Open campaign in his bid to win the tournament a record six times. Rinky Hijikata was his first opponent against whom, the Serb improved his head-to-head record to 2-0. The victory marked his first win in the tournament since 2019.

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Djokovic claimed he played “flawless” tennis in the first set as the scoreline read 6-0, 7-6(1). He has now joined 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal with the most wins in the ATP Masters 1000 (410).

Nadal has retired and so has Roger Federer, the two legends, who, along with Djokovic defined an era on the ATP tour. Djokovic, the sole member of the Big 3 who is still playing, revealed how long he wants to be on the tour.

If we have to boil it down to two things, yes, staying healthy definitely, which I’ve done pretty well for most of my career, but obviously, body is not the same like it was 15 years ago, so I have to put in more time in taking care of it. But also, yeah, taking care of my psychological state and trying to get up in the morning and feel motivated to keep going and push.

Novak Djokovic told Sky Sports after his second-round win

Djokovic dropped retirement hints after his Australian Open exit as he said prolonging his career would depend on his health. Since last year, injuries have been hampering his performance in Major events and he has always tried to recover against time and play to his full potential.

ATP trophies, however, eluded him as he last won a tour-level title at the 2023 ATP Finals. Despite his trophy-less campaigns, the “joy” of playing would stop him from hanging up his racket.

Obviously, it’s not going to be there every match, but as long as I have that feeling of being able to compete with the guys at the highest level, I’ll keep going.

Novak Djokovic added

Novak Djokovic calls for more financial security for players

Novak Djokovic-backed Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) sent shockwaves through the tennis world as they sued the ATP, WTA, ITF, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). One of the major issues the PTPA raised in their lawsuit was the financial difficulties the lower-ranked players are facing.

Novak Djokovic (7)
Novak Djokovic (Image via The Tennis Gazette)

Djokovic wants the tennis bodies to improve the system so that lack of money doesn’t force the players to quit tennis. Nole, however, thinks players on the highest level are “earning good money” and he “cannot complain at all” for himself.

When it comes to viable living, as many players as possible. I don’t think there should be any limit or number to that. Currently, there is not enough players living from this sport.

Novak Djokovic told reporters in Miami

The PTPA have also criticized the ranking system, schedule, constant ball change, control over image rights, and accused the ITIA of invading the privacy of the players. Djokovic’s name wasn’t mentioned in the lawsuit and he also didn’t agree with certain things in it.

Novak Djokovic chases history at Miami Open

Novak Djokovic is only on a quest to take home his seventh title at Miami Gardens, but his win will make him the third man to win 100 tour-level titles. He will join Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, both of who have won 109 and 103 titles, respectively.

Novak Djokovic (3)
Novak Djokovic (Image via We Are Tennis)

Djokovic came close to his 100th title last year at Wimbledon and Shanghai Masters, losing both the finals to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, respectively. The 24-time Major champion, who last won the Miami Open in 2016, will play Camilo Ugo Carabelli next.