by Novak Djokovic has ruled out an imminent retirement from tennis ahead of his harrowing showdown with Rafael Nadal at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
The Serb has won a remarkable 24 Grand Slam titles throughout his career and is still going strong at the age of 37.
While Djokovic continues to be a standout player on the tour, one of tennis’ greatest eras is coming to an end.
Roger Federer quit the sport in 2022, Nadal recently confirmed his withdrawal from the Davis Cup and Andy Murray left the sport earlier this year after playing doubles at the Paris Olympics.
Novak Djokovic has ruled out an imminent retirement from tennis ahead of his harrowing showdown with Rafael Nadal at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia on Saturday
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Given Djokovic’s age and the fact that he failed to win a major this year, many believe his own career is almost over.
But speaking to La Nacion, the former world No.1 has now updated fans by saying he remains committed to adding to his Grand Slam haul and will therefore continue playing.
“Deep down I still feel like I need to win a few more Grand Slams,” he said.
“That’s what drives me to keep going, to feel like I can still do it and play the Davis Cup for Serbia.
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“Tennis is still my biggest voice when it comes to sharing the messages that matter most to me. I still enjoy the process and everything it offers me.
“Maybe some people think I should quit with Olympic gold, on the high. Others, however, think I should continue as long as I am a candidate for the Grand Slams.
“I lean towards the latter. Maybe I’ll change my mind soon, but for now I feel like I want to move on.”
“I’m sorry to those who want me to retire, but I still have some time.”
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Early in his career, it seemed as if Djokovic would never be able to usurp Nadal and Federer.
He won his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2008, but did not win another Grand Slam in the same tournament until three years later.
However, Djokovic insists that time helped him and the Serb expressed the belief that Nadal and Federer had spurred him on.
He continued: “It took me three years to win my second Grand Slam and in those three years I was ranked No. 3 in the world.”
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Novak Djokovic will face Rafael Nadal for the last time at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia
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“I was also No. 2 in 2009 and played at a very high level but couldn’t win any Grand Slams because of those two.
“They dominated everything. I didn’t have the formula to beat her. I was able to win one or two games against them, but not the important ones.”
“These three years were crucial for my development. They made me even hungrier to win, especially against them.
“I knew if I could find a way to be like these guys in the big games, and I knew a lot of it came in the head, I could kind of understand the Grand Slams and start winning more. And that’s exactly what happened.”
Novak Djokovic continues to love tennis as the veteran prepares for a clash with Rafael Nadal
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“I’m proud to have been a part of it. Before 2011, I was unable to win Grand Slams because of their presence; They dominated the entire race track. These years between 2008 and 2011 were crucial for my growth.
“They made me even more hungry to win, especially when I faced them.”
