“I still feel the drive!” Novak Djokovic rubbishes retirement talks and believes he has more Grand Slams to win
At 37, Novak Djokovic dismisses retirement advice, stating he's not done yet and still aims to win more Grand Slam events.
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Novak Djokovic (Image via X)
Novak Djokovic was brilliant in 2023, winning three of the four Grand Slam titles. However, he has failed to live up to the expectations this year and has struggled to find his rhythm. That has made some legends and pundits advise him to retire. However, the 24-time Major winning tennis great has a contradictory view as he feels he still has the potential to win another major title.
Djokovic was the favorite to win the Australian Open, but he didn’t reach the final. The Serbian lost to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. At the Monte Carlo Masters, he played one of his best tennis. But, in the important semifinal match against Casper Ruud, he failed to deliver. He looked fresh at Wimbledon after a comeback from a knee injury.
Nole reached his first tour-level final at the All England Club but also lost to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. His only victory came at the Paris Olympics singles, where he beat Alcaraz in straight set to claim his elusive gold. Since then, he has reached the third round of the US Open and the final of the Shanghai Masters.
Already 37, Djokovic has been advised to retire and focus on his family. Nevertheless, the Serbian has revealed that he will not retire, as he still has more Grand Slams to win.
Some people think I should leave tennis on a high, like now … you won gold; you won everything; say goodbye. Some people think that I should keep going as long as I think I can be a favorite for Grand Slams. I am more on the second side. . . I still feel the drive.
Novak Djokovic said via La Nacion
Djokovic has yet to win a tour-level title this season but has shown he is still at his best. However, next season might not be as good as this one, with more young players hungry for titles.
Rafael Nadal ready for a “big challenge” against Novak Djokovic in the Six Kings Slam
Novak Djokovic succumbed to a disappointing loss against Jannik Sinner at the Six Kings Slam. The 37-year-old fought hard, but that was not enough, as he lost 6-2, 6-7 (0), 6-4 to the Italian ace. He will face his arch-rival Rafael Nadal for a third-place finish.
His eternal rival, Nadal, also lost to Carlos Alcaraz 3-6, 3-6 in their semifinal match. Ahead of his match against Djokovic on Saturday (October 19), the Spaniard revealed that the meeting brings a nostalgic feeling and it’s going to be a tough match.
To have Novak in front [of me], it’s like a nostalgic thing. Playing against Novak has always been a big challenge, [he is] a great rival. He is a player who has always pushed me to the highest level, taken me to the limit.
Rafael Nadal said via Sportsmax
Nadal and Djokovic have played each other a record 60 times, with the latter leading 31-29 in their head-to-head record. The last time they met was at the Paris Olympics, with Djokovic winning in straight sets.
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Victor Okechukwu
(688 Articles Published)