Novak Djokovic, following his remarkable 24th Grand Slam victory at the US Open, has reaffirmed his commitment to the sport and his ambition to compete for the most prestigious titles as long as his abilities allow. The 36-year-old Serbian tennis legend secured his record-equalling Grand Slam win by defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, drawing level with Margaret Court’s all-time record for the most major singles titles.
Remarkably, half of Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam triumphs have come after he turned 30, showcasing his enduring prowess on the tennis court. Furthermore, he has clinched an impressive seven out of the last ten major tournaments he has entered, emphasizing his continued dominance in the sport.
Djokovic expressed his determination, stating, “I’m going to keep going. You know, I feel good in my own body. I still feel I got the support of my environment, of my team, of my family. Grand Slams have always been the highest goal and the priority of mine throughout the season. I don’t play as much in terms of other tournaments, so I try to prioritize my preparation so that I can peak in Slams.”
Despite his unwavering commitment to the sport, Djokovic admitted that there are moments when he questions his future in tennis. He reflected, “Occasionally asking myself, why do I need this still at this stage after all I have done, you know? How long do I want to keep going? I do have these questions in my head, of course.”
However, Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of greatness and his habit of setting increasingly ambitious goals as his career progresses keep him motivated to continue. He added, “I don’t put any number right now in my mind on how many Slams I want to win until the end of my career. I don’t really have any number. I’ll continue to prioritize them as my most important tournaments and where I want to play the best tennis. So that will not change. That will stay the same in the next season or I don’t know how many more seasons I have in my legs. So let’s see.”
His coach, Goran Ivanisevic, playfully suggested that Djokovic’s insatiable hunger for success might lead him to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Ivanisevic also mentioned that there’s little chance Djokovic would consider retiring even if he were to win next year’s Australian Open, securing his 25th Grand Slam title. “He just enjoys it; he likes the challenges. Like you ask me 25, yeah, if he wins 25, he’s going to think, If I win 25, why not 26? It’s always one more, something more,” Ivanisevic remarked.
Djokovic’s remarkable career and his ongoing quest for tennis supremacy continue to captivate fans and inspire new generations of athletes. With his unparalleled dedication and ability to defy age, he remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional tennis.