Novak Djokovic has laid out his retirement plans after pulling out of the ATP Finals to end his season early. The veteran Serb announced his decision after winning the Hellenic Championship in Athens, having beaten Lorenzo Musetti in the final. The latter was drafted in to replace Djokovic at the ATP Finals as a result of his withdrawal.
Following his victory in the Greek capital, Djokovic was quizzed on how long he was planning to continue his career. He made it clear that he would not be retiring any time soon, with the 38-year-old looking to play until at least 2028 so that he can represent Serbia at the next Olympics. He is the defending champion, having secured the gold medal in Paris last summer.
“I’ve always had this throughout my life and my career, I’ve always had a schedule in my head for a year or more, what I want, how I want it,” said Djokovic.
“Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I said about the 2028 Olympics because I wanted to play for so many more years. So maybe ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag, that would be nice.”
Djokovic ended his admission on a cautious note, conceding that not everything will be under his control in spite of his efforts to stay as healthy as possible.
“I don’t know, I mean, I really don’t know, because there are some things that are not entirely in my control,” he added. “I’m trying to be as healthy as possible mentally and physically.”
It comes after Djokovic took a swipe at Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner by insisting that their current dominance pales in comparison to the era once ruled by himself, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
At a recent press conference, he was asked: “You said that Sinner and Alcaraz raised tennis to a new level.” Djokovic, however, interrupted: “I didn’t say that.
“I said that those two play level above others currently. Have to show some respect to us. There has to be some respect for Roger, Rafa, Andy and me. That’s the level of tennis we want. Those two are level above others.”
Djokovic is just one Grand Slam away from surpassing Margaret Court as the most successful player in tennis history. However, the quest for a record-breaking 25th title is proving to be a formidable challenge.
He will turn 39 next year and is facing the physical toll of a long career, with recent injury problems suggesting his body can no longer cope with the intense demands of competing at the highest level.
Djokovic has also gone two years without winning a major title, marking his longest drought since 2010. He was unable to reach a Grand Slam final this year, being knocked out in the semi-finals at each one.