Novak Djokovic gives retirement update after emotional Rafael Nadal goodbye
Is Novak Djokovic ready to follow in Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Roger Federer’s footsteps and call it a day in the coming months?
According to the 24-time Grand Slam winner, he has been thinking about his own retirement but for now he still has “big goals, big ambitions” and is happy to still be going strong.
Djokovic was part of the Big Four reunion at Roland Garros as Paris said farewell to 14-time French Open champion Nadal following his retirement last November.
The Spaniard’s final match came just a few months after Murray hung up his racket while Federer was the first of the golden generation to retire as he bowed out in September 2022.
Now that he is the last man standing, Djokovic admits there is some sadness that his great rivals are no longer playing, but he is not ready to step away from the sport just yet.
“I was thinking about my end of the road as well [on Sunday] when we were watching Rafa having his speech, particularly those moments when we were in the back room, the three of us,” he stated.
“I was just talking to Federer and Murray about their goodbyes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries, and 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.”
There have been several magical moments for Djokovic the past week as he celebrated his 38th birthday on May 22, two days later he won his 100th ATP Tour singles title as he lifted the Geneva Open trophy before heading to Roland Garros for Nadal’s farewell and the 2025 French Open.
“[Sunday] was a busy but wonderful day. Winning the 100th title is a great achievement, something I needed for my game and confidence level heading into Roland Garros,” the Serbian said.
“Arriving and seeing my locker, where I celebrated the Olympic title… like Rafa’s, was a precious moment. One of the best moments I have experienced on this court. Walking in with Federer and Murray… very nice. We were all happy. He deserved it.”
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The Geneva title was the tennis great’s first trophy since he won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics and it brings some much-needed “positivity” after his recent struggles.
And he suggested his retirement date is not really close as he still has a lot to accomplish.
“I have been wanting to win the 25th for a while, but after the Geneva title, I feel more confident,” Djokovic said.
“I feel more positivity in my tennis and needed to reach a level where I can think about a tournament like Roland Garros. I still have big goals, big ambitions. I will focus on the first round and hopefully achieve the best possible result.”
