Novak Djokovic is never satisfied and always finds new motivations to continue competing at the highest level. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has won everything a player can dream of and shattered almost every men’s tennis record, but he has no plans to retire yet to start another chapter in his life.
Many fans and insiders thought that the extraordinary triumph at the Paris Olympics this summer would bring him closer to retirement, being the only ‘title’ that he was still missing and that he had been chasing for many years.
The former world number 1 shocked the whole world at 37 years old and on the surfaces less congenial to his game, winning the Olympic tournament without losing a single set and unleashing the best performance of the season in the final against Carlos Alcaraz (who was the great favorite for the gold medal according to bookmakers).
After that success, Nole struggled to play his best tennis in the second half of the season and decided to skip the last official tournaments (the Rolex Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin). However, Novak was keen to reiterate that tennis is still his priority and he proved it by hiring his friend and former rival Andy Murray as coach for the 2025 Australian Open.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade wants to win his 25th Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park and is preparing with the utmost dedication to achieve yet another feat in his legendary career. Unlike in the past, the Serbian ace will not be the first favorite in Australia and could have a very tough draw but no one can afford to underestimate him.
Nole loves competition
His season will start in Brisbane at the beginning of January, so as to quickly get used to the conditions and climate. Being a very intelligent person, Djokovic understood the need to change something in order to be competitive against rivals much younger than him.
In a long interview with ‘Tennis Majors’, former Top 10 Tomas Berdych explained why Nole continues to play: “Of course, it is sad to see the guys having to stop their careers, but you know it’s going to happen, and it’s impossible for them to play forever.
But when you look at their achievements, I totally get why they were trying to really push it because you never know what might happen.
It would be history, which is why I think Novak is still playing.
If he feels well and then if he manages to win another one, it’s the biggest thing that can happen.
“When you gave it all for the last, I don’t know, 20, 25 years, why would you stop when you feel that you are still competitive?”
Positive vibes
Although many believe that the new partnership with Murray is linked more to commercial reasons, a legend like Djokovic cannot settle for a minor role on the ATP tour and will do everything he can to make his mark again. 2024 was a tough year for him from several points of view. During the French Open, the former world No. 1 suffered a knee injury that forced him to undergo surgery.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion recovered quickly and reached the final at the Wimbledon Championships, but continued to wear the brace throughout the rest of the season. The Serbian ace complained of some shoulder and knee discomfort in the last tournaments of his season, which is why he took a long break to recharge his batteries.
Novak played an exhibition match with Juan Martin del Potro in Buenos Aires in early December, bursting into tears along with his great Argentine friend. The 37-year-old from Belgrade noticed that all his main rivals are retiring and nostalgia has taken over him.
On the latest edition of Andy Roddick’s podcast, former World No.1 John McEnroe discussed the amazing union between Nole and Andy: “He got pushed into retirement because his body wouldn’t hold up. Murray is an incredible player. He has won three majors and been in 11 Grand Slam finals, but unfortunately, it catches up to you and it’s hard, it’s really hard. He desperately wanted to play.
It would give Murray a little bit, it will give him more positive vibes and I’m kidding about needing a break from his kids. Everyone gets so upset. He will certainly sleep a little better though.
This guy is a tennis geek and he loves it. He’ll leave no stone unturned for Novak, just the way he did for himself. This guy gave 120 per-cent, he gave absolutely everything.
I think Murray will bring something to the table. Just his mere presence and Novak has a lot of respect for him, so he will be able to push him when he needs to.”
