Novak Djokovic has revealed he is contemplating the end of his illustrious career at age 38, finding himself as the last active player of tennis's famed "Big Four".
The Serbian star recently attended Rafael Nadal's emotional retirement ceremony at Roland Garros, where he was joined by fellow tennis greats Roger Federer and Andy Murray, both of whom have already hung up their rackets.
The gathering of these four titans of the sport, with Djokovic as the sole active competitor, prompted the 24-time Grand Slam champion to reflect on his own tennis mortality while still maintaining his competitive edge after securing his 100th career title in Geneva.
The 38-year-old opened up about how Nadal's farewell ceremony triggered thoughts about his own future in the sport.
Novak Djokovic was joined by Roger Federer and Andy Murray at Rafael Nadal's retirement ceremony
Reuters
"Honestly I was thinking about my end of the road as well when we were watching Rafa having his speech, particularly those moments when we were in the back room, the three of us, and I was talking to Federer and Murray about their good-byes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries," Djokovic said during his press conference in Paris.
The poignant backstage moment with his long-time rivals clearly left an impression on Djokovic as he witnessed another of his contemporaries bid farewell to professional tennis.
Djokovic expressed a mixture of pride and melancholy about being the last member of the Big Four still competing at the highest level.
"Of course, part of me is proud that I'm still there, that I'm still going. But at the same time, I was, and I still am a bit sad that they're all gone, because those guys were my greatest motivations of why I competed so intensely and for so long," he admitted.
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The quartet enjoyed themselves at the emotional ceremony
Reuters
The Serbian has witnessed the retirement of each of his greatest rivals in recent years, attending farewell ceremonies for Federer in London in 2022, playing in Juan Martin Del Potro's final match in Argentina, and most recently joining Nadal's emotional send-off in Paris.
Despite these reflections on retirement, Djokovic remains focused on his competitive ambitions, particularly after winning his 100th career title in Geneva. This victory has significantly boosted his confidence heading into Roland Garros.
"After Geneva, I feel better, I still have a lot of ambitions, I still have high objectives," Djokovic stated.
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The triumph came at a crucial time following early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid.
"I needed to win matches, and particularly on this surface. I'm the type of player that needs to get some matches under his belt before the big tournaments," he explained.
His sights are now firmly set on claiming a 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open.
The Serbian's recent success came after a brief coaching partnership with Andy Murray, who has since retired in 2024 and was present at Nadal's ceremony.
Djokovic revealed that Murray congratulated him on his Geneva triumph with characteristic humour.
"He did congratulate me, and he said, Now that you have a proper coach, you're winning tournaments!"
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Novak Djokovic is the only one not to retire of the four, but he has thought about the 'end of the road'
Reuters
He went on to praise his former rival: "Andy is just an amazing person. For him to join my team and for us to give a shot to this player/coach relationship was really an incredible thing for tennis and for both of us."
While Djokovic acknowledges his career is approaching its conclusion, he remains noncommittal about a specific retirement date.
When pressed on the matter, the former world no 1 simply stated: "I didn't think about an exact date, if that's what you're looking for."
The Serbian does, however, hope for a farewell comparable to Nadal's when his time comes.
"Rafa deserved what he got yesterday in full intensity of its glory, and of course each one of us dreams of being remembered in such way and celebrated. I do wish one day that I can get the kind of good-bye from the world of tennis, for sure," Djokovic reflected.
Until then, he continues his pursuit of tennis excellence at the highest level.
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