Novak Djokovic reveals when he'll consider retirement after reaching Australian Open quarter-finals

Novak Djokovic reveals when he'll consider retirement after reaching Australian Open quarter-finals

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 21/01/2024

- 08:50

The Serb cruised to victory over Adrian Mannarino on Sunday

Novak Djokovic has said he'll consider retiring from tennis when he feels he can't compete at the highest level.

But that doesn't bode well for the Serb's rivals, with the world No 1 now just three victories away from winning a 25th Grand Slam title.


Djokovic lost just three games on Sunday as he powered his way past Mannarino, winning 6-0, 6-0, 6-3.

He appears to be peaking at the perfect time, having initially made a slow start to the tournament Down Under.

Novak Djokovic Australian Open

Novak Djokovic has shed light on retirement while flourishing at the Australian Open

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And Djokovic has now opened up on when he'll consider retirement, saying at a press conference: "I feel while being number one and still on top of the game, I don't feel like leaving tennis in that position.

"I feel like I want to keep on going.

"When I feel that I am not able to compete at the highest level with the guys and be a contender for a grand slam title, then I'll probably consider going into retirement.

"But that can change, obviously. A lot of things can change.

"I'm not a teenager anymore. I'm a father and a husband.

"A lot of things happening in the private life off court that I enjoy, that require my attention, my presence, my energy.

"Still, I'm really blessed to be where I am. Let's see how far it goes."

Djokovic also insists that, despite all the success he's achieved, he remains motivated for more majors.

The 36-year-old already has two more Grand Slams to his name than Rafael Nadal, while he's four clear of Roger Federer.

Djokovic continued: "I always look for the best performance from myself.

"It's (motivation) still there. The fire is still burning. I think that's what allowed me to be where I am and achieve the things that I have achieved.

"Part of me, of course, is enjoying the process. Otherwise I wouldn't be playing.

"At the end of the day, I'm not playing anymore because I need more money or I need more points, or whatever. I just want to play. I really enjoy the competition.

"The drive is there. That's the most important thing an athlete should always have and nurture.

"I don't think I'll be able to, while still competing, really kind of nonchalantly go out on the court and have fun with it. It's just not me.

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Novak Djokovic Australian Open

Novak Djokovic is through to the last eight of the Australian Open

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"I'm a fierce competitor, as many guys out there are. That's kind of my style."

Djokovic will now face Taylor Fritz in the last eight on Wednesday.

Fritz will certainly be the underdog for that contest, having lost all eight of their previous meetings.

They last met in the quarter-finals of the US Open last year, with Djokovic winning in straight sets.

And the Serb says he doesn't need any more motivation as he looks to put Fritz to the sword again.

Taylor Fritz

Novak Djokovic will lock horns with Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open

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"Grand Slams are Grand Slams," Djokovic said.

"There's not much additional motivation that you need, other than being part of the most historic tournaments."

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