Djokovic offers ‘fully sincere’ replace on retirement plans after Nadal news
Novak Djokovic says his need to play tennis continues to be there however he has admitted ‘issues can change rapidly’. At 36 years outdated, the Serbian celebrity continues to be able to producing world-class performances having picked up his twenty second Grand Slam title on the Australian Open in Melbourne earlier this yr. But he is aware of his profession is steadily approaching its finish level.
With Rafael Nadal lately asserting his intentions to retire in 2024, Djokovic has admitted he is had meals for thought as the ultimate member of the ‘large three’ left taking part in, with Roger Federer calling it a day final September. Speaking about his future, Djokovic mentioned on the French Open: “I am being completely honest with you guys.
“I have asked this question also, but it’s not like I think about it all the time. The desire is still there, but things can change quickly – I am 36, I’ve been a pro for 20 years. I don’t like to look at age as a decisive factor, I pay attention to what my general state is like and whether I enjoy it.
“History is on the line, and it’s been like that for more than five years now. Almost any tournament there is something like ’oh, now you can achieve this or break this record’. I think I’ve broken a lot of records, but that still pushes me to keep going.
“That is one of the biggest reasons why I keep playing. At this level, I feel you need to set clear goals and to have a path you’ll follow in order to achieve them. That kind of attitude brought me to the place I am now. On the other hand, things change, new kids are coming and we’ll see how long I want to keep pushing.”
Coming into the French Open, Djokovic is among the many favourites to take dwelling the title, nevertheless, there are issues about his situation. Since successful the Australian Open in January, Djokovic was overwhelmed in straight units by Daniil Medvedev within the Dubai Tennis Championships semi-finals.
He was then compelled to overlook the Indian Wells Masters and Miami Masters after his US visa software was denied resulting from his refusal to get a Covid vaccine. Further disappointment adopted in Monaco as he was dumped out of the match within the third spherical by Lorenzo Musetti.
After that the Serb suffered back-to-back quarter-final losses on the Banja Luka Open and Italian Open to fellow countryman Dusan Lajovic and world No 6 Hulgar Rune. Yet Djokovic stays pretty upbeat about his current decline in type and reminded assembled media that he at all times ‘peaks’ at Roland Garros, the place he’s a two-time champion.