Novak Djokovic has made it clear he is not considering retirement any time soon, citing the longevity of global sporting icons such as LeBron James, Tom Brady and Cristiano Ronaldo as his motivation to keep going.
The 38-year-old Serbian, who has won 24 Grand Slam titles, remains a top contender on the ATP Tour. Despite not lifting a Grand Slam trophy in 2024, he reached the semi-finals in all four majors this year and is currently ranked world number five.
Speaking at the Joy Forum in Riyadh, where he is set to face Jannik Sinner in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event, Djokovic shared his mindset and commitment to longevity in the sport.
“Longevity is one of my biggest motivations. I really want to see how far I can go,” said Djokovic. “If you see across all the global sports, LeBron James, he is still going strong at 40, Cristiano Ronaldo as well, and Tom Brady played until he was 40-something. It is unbelievable. They are inspiring me as well.”
Djokovic is also driven by a desire to witness and contribute to the evolution of tennis.
“I want to also live to see, live meaning still keep on playing professionally, to see the change that is coming for our sport,” he said. “I am super excited about it. I feel like tennis is a sport that can be, and will be, greatly transformed.
“I want to be part of that change. I want to be not just part of that change, but I want to be playing when we rejuvenate our sport and set the new platform that will go on for decades to come.”
The Serb, who claimed his 100th career title earlier this year in Geneva, was also asked whether younger stars like Sinner and world number one Carlos Alcaraz would be the ones to eventually force him into retirement.
“I’m sorry to disappoint them, it is just not happening,” Djokovic said with a smile.
