Novak Djokovic is no stranger to success—he’s lived every tennis player’s dream and more! With 24 Grand Slam titles across all four tournaments and even an Olympic Gold Medal under his belt, the Serbian legend has done it all. For most, that would be the perfect time to step back and enjoy the fruits of an unparalleled career. Naturally, all this success has sparked plenty of chatter about his retirement, with fans wondering if Djokovic is ready to hang up his racquet anytime soon. But in classic Djokovic style, the tennis icon has a sensational update that has everyone buzzing—retirement? Not so fast!

The 37-year-old engaged in an interaction with the Argentinian publication La Nacion and deliberated on a wide range of factors. He opened up about his career goals and what is he looking forward to after achieving everything that a player desires. Nole categorically shed light on the discussions about his retirement and revealed that he is motivated to continue going further. 

When quizzed about what motivates him to continue further, Djokovic let his true emotions out. Speaking in the interview, Nole said, “Deep inside I feel that I still have more Grand Slams to win. What still pushes me to compete, especially in the Grand Slams, is the feeling that I can be a candidate to win it. And also for my country. I love playing the Davis Cup for Serbia.” Remember, Djokovic has often highlighted how important it is for him to win accolades that would bring fame to his country, Serbia. He enjoys immense love for these sentiments back home. His popularity in Serbia made Boris Becker remark that Nole could even become the president of his country. 

Continuing further in the interview, Nole shared the two things that motivate him. “One is to continue believing that I have the ability to continue fighting for the majors and win them. Second: tennis is still my biggest platform to do other things that interest me and share the messages that interest me, whether they are related to tennis, society, some venture that I have, something that seriously builds my legacy, my brand.” 

Djokovic then addressed the talks of his retirement as well and added, “Some people think I should keep going as long as I still think I can be the favorite for a Grand Slam. I think more like them. Maybe I will change my mind, I don’t know.” But for now, the tennis great wishes to just “keep going.” Interestingly, several experts in the tennis community have predicted the retirement of the star player.

Soon after Nole clinched the Gold at the Paris Olympics, the speculations about his retirement grew even more. Chris Evert even claimed that if Nole clinches his 25th Grand Slam in New York, he might consider bidding adieu to the sport. “I think if he wins the 25th major, I would think he would leave the game. I mean, I don’t know, he would break that tie with Margaret Court. He’s won the Olympics. That was such a big goal for him.” But Djokovic is winning, and he is still relevant on the courts. 

Despite undergoing knee surgery after the French Open, Djokovic bounced back. He did not just clinch the runner-up title in Wimbledon but also won the Olympic gold. He also depicted immense strength at the Shanghai Masters and reached the finals yet again. These successful campaigns might drive Djokovic to continue. Interestingly, Nole previously opened up about when exactly he wishes to retire.

When Novak Djokovic opened up about his retirement plans

While Novak Djokovic has witnessed immense success, he has failed to win a single title this season other than the Gold Medal in Paris. Such situations, amalgamated with the challenges on the court, have forced the star player to contemplate his retirement plans as well, which he revealed himself.

Speaking after the fourth-round match at the Australian Open, Nole dismissed his retirement rumors. However, he also added how his decision can change based on certain conditions. “When I feel that I am not able to compete at the highest level with the guys and be a contender for a grand slam title, then I’ll probably consider going into retirement. But that can change, obviously.” Continuing further, he shared, “I’m not a teenager anymore. I’m a father and a husband.I’m really blessed to be where I am. Let’s see how far it goes.”

For now, it would be interesting to see if Novak Djokovic wins a title before ending his ongoing season. For a player of his caliber to go through an entire season without a title would be an anomaly. What’s your take on Djokovic’s 2024 season? Let us know in the comments below.