‘I Know A Lot Of People Would Love Me To Retire’: Djokovic Hits Back At Critics

Despite being one of the oldest players on the ATP Tour, Novak Djokovic made it clear ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics that retirement is not on his horizon. When questioned about his future, especially in light of some of his peers retiring, the 37-year-old Serbian emphasized his ongoing commitment to the sport. Entering the Olympics as the No. 1 seed, Djokovic’s performance indicates he is far from considering retirement.

During a press conference, Djokovic was asked about Andy Murray, who plans to retire after the Paris Olympics. Reflecting on their years together on the ATP Tour, Djokovic expressed his admiration and respect for Murray, acknowledging his significant contributions to tennis.

**Novak Djokovic Hopes Andy Murray Has ‘Best Possible Farewell’ at Paris Olympics**

Djokovic praised Murray as a true legend and wished him a memorable farewell at the Olympics, where Murray has won two gold medals in singles. “I hope that he will have the best possible farewell at his last competitive match for him at the Olympics. He is a legend of our sport. He’s been an incredibly important player for tennis globally,” Djokovic said.

The contrasting career trajectories of Djokovic and Murray highlight why Djokovic is not contemplating retirement. Murray has faced physical challenges and a decline in performance, while Djokovic continues to play at a high level, evidenced by his recent appearance in the 2024 Wimbledon Championships final. Although he did not win, he showcased a strong performance, finishing better than anyone except Carlos Alcaraz.

**Djokovic’s Continued Commitment to Tennis**

While players like Murray and Rafael Nadal have struggled with injuries, Djokovic remains in excellent physical condition and is still competitive. He reiterated his intention to keep playing as long as he enjoys the competition and maintains his current level of performance. “I don’t have the retirement close in my mind, to be honest, even though I know a lot of people would love me to retire. Of course, the end is nearer than the beginning. I know that, but I still enjoy competition, and I’ll keep until I don’t enjoy it anymore,” Djokovic stated.

Djokovic acknowledges that the end of his career is closer than the beginning, but he sees no immediate reason to retire. As long as his body remains healthy and he enjoys playing, he plans to continue competing. While motivation can fluctuate, Djokovic remains driven and is not considering retirement anytime soon, even if winning an Olympic gold medal might impact his overall motivation.