Djokovic: "I don't play tennis just for the achievements, I keep playing because I truly enjoy competing"
The Serbian confessed, before the ATP Athens, the reasons why he continues in the tennis elite at 38 years old: "I feel that I still have motivation and desire to face new challenges."
Novak Djokovic is ready for his debut at the ATP in Athens against Alejandro Tabilo. For the Serbian, this is not just another tournament, as the event itself is owned by him and his family. So, even though it is an ATP 250, the Serbian will seek to bring joy to his loved ones, all while the uncertainty remains regarding his presence in the ATP Finals.
Since Novak Djokovic won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, many people bet that the Serbian, after winning everything, would lose motivation to continue playing tennis, especially considering his age (38 years) and the presence of two names (Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner) well above the rest. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, for now, has no intention of retiring. No matter how much they insist, he makes it clear: he still enjoys playing tennis. He confirmed this in an interview with the Greek media outlet SDNA.
About the decision to move to Greece with his family
"To be honest, I didn't plan it far in advance. In fact, many things have happened in the last two years, and we have made new decisions, both personally and professionally. But that's life. We have two young children, and we try to adapt and find the best environment for them. That is our priority: for them to grow in an environment that is as conducive as possible to their psychological, physical, and emotional well-being. Ultimately, so that we can have more time together as a family."
"For the past two months, we have been experiencing life in Greece, and the impressions are very positive. We feel welcomed; the people are kind, generous, and friendly. At the same time, as a family, we feel that we have more time to do things that bring us closer together."
Novak Djokovic confirms he has no intention of retiring in the short term
"Many thought that after the Olympics, after winning gold, I would end my career. But I don't play tennis just for the achievements. Of course, they are a big part of my motivation, but I also play tennis because I truly enjoy competing. I enjoy the process and everything that tennis brings to me: personally, to my family, and also what I bring to tennis as long as I remain an active professional."
He continues playing tennis to leave a legacy
"I know that as long as I play, I will be in the public eye. I am aware of that responsibility, but it doesn't bother me; on the contrary, I enjoy it. I like being able to contribute to the development, popularity, and progress of our sport. There are also other personal and professional reasons."
"So there are more reasons why I keep playing, not just for the results. When you achieve everything, when you win Olympic gold, it is indeed a bit strange to return to tournaments and start from scratch. But, at the same time, it is a source of inspiration: I feel that I still have motivation and desire to face new challenges."
It's clear that Novak Djokovic does not have plans to hang up his racket anytime soon. Especially considering that this year, despite being below Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, he made it to the semifinals of all four Grand Slams. It remains to be seen if the gap with the Spanish and the Italian widens in 2026, but what is certain is that the Serbian will not stop trying as long as he continues to enjoy himself on a tennis court.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic: "No juego al tenis solo por los logros, sigo jugando porque realmente disfruto compitiendo"