"I'm not close to retirement" - Djokovic reveals plans to keep playing for seasons to come
ATP
Novak Djokovic enjoyed a great week in Israel, and he spoke about it after his win at the 2022 Tel Aviv Open.
Djokovic entered the 2022 Tel Aviv Open as the top seed, and throughout the week, there wasn't anyone who could stop him. Not only did the Serbian win the trophy, he did it without losing a set.
In the final, he defeated Marin Cilic in two sets, 6-3, 6-4. It was a very good tournament for the Serbian player, who was happy to be back on the tennis courts after not competing since Wimbledon (apart from the Laver Cup).
Following his final win, Djokovic was asked about his time in Israel and whether he had some time to do a bit of sightseeing, but the Serbian player admitted that he didn't have a lot of time to do that.
"I played a lot of tennis this week, that's what I wanted and why I came to Israel. I didn't have time to go sightseeing, to be honest, but I enjoyed the beach. I spent at least an hour there every day, I jogged, I rode my bike, I swam... I walked around the old town a bit and saw a bit of history."
"I was in Jerusalem a long time ago, I am familiar with the country, I will definitely come back here, not for a tennis tournament but as a tourist, to travel around the country and feel Israel, but also to thank all the people for the treatment I received here this week. I am grateful for that and for the connection I made with the people of Tel Aviv."
With his rival, Roger Federer, retiring from the sport at the Laver Cup, Djokovic was also asked about his retirement. As he proved at the Tel Aviv Open, he doesn't seem to be anywhere close to ending his career, and he confirmed that after his win at the ATP 250 event.
"I'm not close to retirement. I don't want to think too much about it. Roger had a beautiful send-off at the Laver Cup in London. We were all there, with his family, to say goodbye to him at a magnificent event in a magnificent arena."
"It must have been special for him, and there is no doubt that he deserved it. One thing I know is that I will definitely want my great rivals to come and say goodbye to me."
