Novak Djokovic Hits Out At 'Media' Over Repeated Retirement Questions
NewsTuesday, 10 June 2025 at 10:00
Novak Djokovic was asked how it feels to be consistently asked about retirement by the international media, and he gave an honest answer.
The 38-year-old Djokovic continued to defy conventional wisdom by performing well at the Grand Slam level at Roland Garros. He reached the semifinals and was competitive in a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 loss to Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic deserves considerable credit for continuing to compete at the top at his age. Most athletes have already retired at 38, but the 24-time major champion is determined to keep fighting with the best players.
Despite Djokovic's continued presence being great for tennis, many reporters consistently ask him about his retirement plans, even though he has answered that question several times in the past.
The former ATP world No. 1 generated attention during his press conference after losing to Sinner when he said this year might have been his last appearance at Roland Garros, leading to some in the press room asking follow-up questions about it.
A Serbian reporter took a different approach by asking Djokovic whether he felt the questions from the international media about retirement went too far, considering how well he continues to play.
Djokovic's answer was as honest as ever. He said being repeatedly asked about retiring demonstrates how the media operates, and he was used to discussing the subject in interviews and press conferences.
"Well, that's just how the media works. They ask more questions than necessary. They push me to talk about different scenarios. It's not unusual and not something I haven't dealt with before."
The three-time French Open champion then said he was grateful to still compete at 38 and that battling with Sinner for over three years in front of supportive fans on Court Philippe-Chatrier gave him some perspective.
"What matters to me is that I'm still able to compete at this level. I'm grateful that my body is holding up. I really am. Playing for more than three hours against guys much younger than me puts everything into perspective. That's why I feel truly thankful and happy to still have this chance."
Although the retirement questions are unlikely to stop, millions of fans worldwide hope Djokovic will continue to play for a few more years. The most statistically successful player ever's presence is an undoubted net positive for tennis.
At the same time, Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's extraordinary Roland Garros final shows they are ready to lead men's tennis in the future and keep fans engaged. There had been fears about a decline when Djokovic follows Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal into retirement.
Alcaraz staged a remarkable recovery in Paris from 3-5, 0-40 and three championship points down in the fourth set to defeat Sinner in a deciding set tiebreak. It was one of the most thrilling and dramatic contests ever played.
The women's game is also in a superb place. Coco Gauff won her first Roland Garros title by staging a comeback from a set down against Aryna Sabalenka. Those two, Iga Swiatek and Mirra Andreeva, are the sport's future, along with Sinner and Alcaraz.
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