Novak Djokovic recently expressed his thoughts on his career following his victory in Paris, describing his accomplishment as the completion of all his achievements. Despite his illustrious two-decade career, which includes 24 Grand Slam titles and 99 singles titles, Djokovic faced setbacks in 2024, failing to defend his titles at the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open. Additionally, his defeat in the third round of the US Open led to speculation about his future in the sport, especially as his long-time rival Rafael Nadal had hinted at retirement earlier in the year.
Djokovic recently participated in an exhibition match in Bulgaria against Grigor Dimitrov, seemingly mending fences after a previous controversy during the Adria Tour event four years ago. During a pre-match press conference, Djokovic opened up about his uncertain plans for the future, stating that for the first time in his career, he lacks long-term plans. He mentioned his participation in the Shanghai Masters and an exhibition match in Saudi Arabia as his only confirmed upcoming events. Djokovic added that he would judge his plans based on how he feels after these tournaments.
He emphasized the importance of balancing his professional and personal life, noting his desire to spend more time with his wife, Jelena, and children, Stefan and Tara. Reflecting on his age and physical condition, Djokovic acknowledged that it becomes increasingly challenging to maintain the motivation and drive necessary to compete at the highest level. However, he also mentioned that he still wants to pursue titles and records, though he intends to prioritize certain tournaments over others.
Djokovic’s recent comments echo statements he made earlier in the year during the Australian Open, where he dismissed immediate retirement plans but suggested he would consider retiring if he felt unable to compete at the highest level. Despite his uncertain future, Djokovic has expressed a commitment to giving his best performance in upcoming matches, demonstrating his enduring competitive spirit.
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