Djokovic Admits To 'Thinking About End' After Watching Nadal's Ceremony
NewsTuesday, 27 May 2025 at 13:52
Novak Djokovic is nearing retirement, and he admitted that he's been thinking about it recently.
Djokovic is already 38 years old, and when it comes to the greatest players of this generation, he is quite literally the last man standing. Roger Federer retired a few years ago, Rafael Nadal ended his career last year, and Andy Murray has even become Djokovic's coach since retiring in 2024.
The Serbian legend, on the other hand, keeps on going, competing for titles. At the same time, he is also busy attending various retirement ceremonies of his former rivals, which makes him think about his career.
Last year, Djokovic travelled to Argentina to play against Juan Martin Del Potro in the Argentinian's last match. He was also in London in 2022 for Federer's retirement, and he was present also at Nadal's ceremony at Roland Garros.
Djokovic, Federer, and Murray were all present in Paris, talking about their rivalries while spending time together. That was the moment that made Djokovic think about his career and its end, as he revealed during his press conference in the French capital.
"Honestly I was thinking about my end of the road as well last night or yesterday when we were watching Rafa having his speech. Particularly those moments when we were in the back room, the three of us, and I was just talking to Federer and Murray about their goodbyes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries."
"Of course, part of me is proud that I'm still there, that I'm still going. But at the same time, I was, and I still am a bit sad that they're all gone, because those guys were my greatest motivations of why I competed so intensely and for so long."
Djokovic was then further asked about the "end of the road" after he mentioned it. However, despite being fully aware that he is close to it, he still doesn't have any specific plans.
"I didn't think about an exact date, if that's what you're looking for."
One of the reasons why Djokovic doesn't have any specific plans when it comes to his retirement is that he wants to remain competitive for as long as possible. Winning the title in Geneva proved to him that he can still challenge for titles, even at 38.
Naturally, after winning his 100th career title, Djokovic now has his sights set on his 25th major trophy. He will start his Roland Garros campaign against Mackenzie McDonald, hoping to lift his fourth title at Roland Garros two weeks later.
"I actually was considering winning a 25th Grand Slam before, so it hasn't changed much. But it's true that after the Geneva title, I feel more confident. I feel more positive about my level of play because I had a lot of concerns regarding my game play, and I needed to reach a level that would be the one that I wanted as I was about to start the biggest tournament here."
"But now, after Geneva, I feel better, I still have a lot of ambitions, I still have high objectives. I will focus on the first round, and I would like to maintain this high level, this dedication hopefully to reach the best possible result."
Popular News
Just In
