Djokovic: "Being able to compete against the young players is fun and a great motivation"

The Serbian player explains the reasons why he does not consider short-term retirement and reflects deeply on his personal and tennis life.

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 12 Apr 2026 | 08.37
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Novak Djokovic, fun and motivated. Photo: gettyimages
Novak Djokovic, fun and motivated. Photo: gettyimages

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Every interview granted by Novak Djokovic is an opportunity to enjoy his wisdom and try to decipher that genuine personality that largely explains his status as a legendary athlete. The Serbian continues to want to compete for everything and has shown his ambition to stay in tennis, without considering short-term retirement.

It is necessary to savor each swing that Novak Djokovic has left to give, but the Serbian resists revealing that he is running out. No matter how little he competes, how his appearances become increasingly sporadic, or how it seems truly challenging for him to defeat the best on big stages, the Balkan player continues to showcase his love for tennis and competitive spirit. This was explained in an interview with Esquire, highlighting the most interesting aspects.

"Over the years, I have learned that mental and emotional well-being are everything. If something is not going well in my personal life, it shows in my athletic performance. Since I understood that, I could adopt a more holistic approach in my life and accept that I am human and make mistakes. I understand that I have weaknesses. I believe that, to be strong, brave, and successful, you must allow yourself to be vulnerable," explained a true psychology sage, who has focused on understanding himself to channel it into sports.

Djokovic, aspirations on clay court. Photo: gettyimages

Djokovic believes he has a mission as a tennis player that goes beyond winning matches

Asked about his future plans as a tennis player, Djokovic reaffirmed his idea of staying active, with no signs of early retirement. "What motivates me to continue is my passion for tennis. I still enjoy every moment on the court. I love competition, I still feel strong, and seeing that I can challenge the younger players is a great fun for me and also a special motivation. Furthermore, now I not only want to win but also to set an example and show good values," he stated.

"Tennis is still important to me, but it is no longer everything. That gives me strength," emphasized Novak Djokovic, who could make a competitive comeback during the Mutua Madrid Open 2026, a tournament in which he is enrolled and where organizers mention his participation. It could be a good opportunity to assess what the aspirations and realistic chances are for something significant at Roland Garros 2026 on the part of the Serbian.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic: "Verme capaz de competir ante los jóvenes es divertido y una gran motivación"

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