Novak Djokovic will compete as long as he stays competitive at majors
Novak Djokovic, who will celebrate his 37th birthday in May, has not yet made any retirement plans. A 24-time Major winner and world no. 1 will keep the ATP throne ahead of Carlos Alcaraz after the Australian Open following another great Melbourne run.
When questioned about retirement, Djokovic openly acknowledged that there is no compelling reason to consider such a move while he continues to excel in the sport he adores. Despite having achieved nearly everything in tennis, Djokovic expressed his eagerness to compete against the emerging young talents in notable tournaments for a few more years.
His passion for the game remains unwavering, and he finds joy and motivation on the court, even as he manages his off-court responsibilities related to his family.
Novak is seeking his 11th Australian Open title, facing Jannik Sinner in Friday’s semi-final and hoping for another strong performance after ousting Taylor Fritz.
Novak beat Taylor 7-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in three hours and 45 minutes, surviving physical challenges in the opening two sets and breaking the rival’s resistance in sets three and four. Fritz threw everything he had at Djokovic in the opening two sets, defending all 15 break points and missing a chance to open a massive advantage.
Novak defended two set points in the 12th game of the opening set, landing two winners and gaining a boost. Djokovic played well in the tie break, securing the opener after 84 minutes and feeling more relaxed. Taylor broke in the second set’s first game with a volley winner and worked hard in his games.
Novak Djokovic is not thinking about retirement anytime soon.
The American saved seven break points, including four in the eighth game, three with bold backhand winners! Taylor served well at 5-4 and produced a fine hold to lock the overall score at 1-1 after two hours and 23 minutes.
Novak preserved energy and made a fresh start in the third set, using his vast experience. Djokovic barely lost a point on serve and kept the pressure on the other side. The Serb moved in front with a forehand winner in game two and served well for 5-2.
Novak landed another backhand winner in the eighth game for 6-2, moving closer to the finish line. The defending champion broke in the sixth game of the fourth set before the American pulled the break back in the next one.
However, Taylor lost the power behind the initial shot, suffering another break in game eight and sending Novak 5-3 in front. The Serb served for the victory in game nine and landed a forehand winner to seal the deal and celebrate his 33rd consecutive Australian Open triumph.
“I’m world no. 1, competing at the highest level. I do not feel like leaving tennis while being in this position because the fire is still burning. I’m eager to keep on going and challenge the young guns at Majors. When I stop being a contender for notable titles, then I will probably consider my retirement.
However, many things can change at my age. Also, I’m a father and a husband, with many off-court things that require my attention and presence. I’m happy where I’m at the moment, and let’s see how it goes. I’m not playing for money or ranking points; it’s all about enjoying the competition,” Novak Djokovic said.
