Novak Djokovic reveals how long he hopes to keep playing as he makes Tom Brady reference
Novak Djokovic has divulged that he hopes to continue playing tennis up to the age of 40 “and maybe even beyond” and declared he has no reason to stop when he is “still playing great.”
The great Serbian also explained that he has learned from the example of American football legend Tom Brady, who competed at the highest level in the NFL into his mid-40s.
At 36, Djokovic is by far the oldest player in the top 20 of the ATP Rankings and one of only two men over the age of 28, along with world No 14 Grigor Dimitrov, who is 32.
The world No 1 had one of the best seasons of his remarkable career in 2023, winning seven titles – six of which came at ‘big tournaments.’
Djokovic secured three of the four Grand Slam tournaments this year, while he has won four of the last five Majors he has played. He was also a runner-up at Wimbledon in 2023, where he fell in a thrilling five-set final to Carlos Alcaraz.
The Serbian has won 12 of his 24 Grand Slam titles in his 30s and has a 12-3 record in Major finals since turning 30. Only Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer have won a Major at an older age than Djokovic managed at the US Open in September.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will face world No 2 and two-time Major winner Alcaraz in an exhibition match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 27 December.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic v Carlos Alcaraz – tale of the tape and where to watch the showdown in Saudi Arabia
Speaking in Saudi Arabia ahead of the big-money showdown, Djokovic outlined his intentions to keep playing as long as he is performing at the top level.
“Why stop when you are still playing great? So I will keep going. I know (Tom Brady) personally as well, and I learnt from him, from his example, and, hopefully, I can have a career that goes up to 40 and maybe even beyond, let’s see,” the 36-year-old said.
🎙️ @DjokerNole 🇷🇸🐺
In Saudi Arabia earlier today, ahead of the exhibition match against Spain’s @carlosalcaraz , the 36-year-old Serbian said he had NO plans to retire, hoping to continue playing beyond 40, referring to the career of buddy QB Tom Brady 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/syCZUlU3Jf
— TRAVEL&Sp🎾rts (@travel__Sports) December 26, 2023
“I feel great in my own body right now, and I have been playing some really high quality tennis. 2023 was one of my best seasons I’ve had in my life, and why stop while you’re still playing great? I will take it one by one and see how far I go.”
