Novak Djokovic's 2025 season may not have gone as planned but the 38-year-old is setting the record straight on the retirement talks surrounding him, telling his critics that it "won't be happening" anytime soon.
After failing to win a Grand Slam in 2024, Djokovic was competitive at the Slam level this year - he made the semifinals in all four Majors - but he just wasn't able to overcome the Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner obstacles. Since Alcaraz and Sinner have split Grand Slam wins since 2024 and they are undoubtedly a step ahead of the rest of the competition, some have been calling for the 38-year-old Serb to retire.
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This week, Djokovic came to Riyadh for the Six Kings Slam edition. After being granted a quarterfinal bye, the former world No. 1 met Sinner and got bounced 4-6 2-6 by the Italian.
Djokovic: Sorry to disappoint, my retirement won't be happening anytime soon
In Riyadh, the record 24-time Grand Slam champion admitted to drawing inspiration from sporting greats from other sports who played or are currently competing in their 40s.
Longevity is one of my biggest motivations and I really want to see how far I can go. You see across all the global sports, you know, LeBron James is still going strong. Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady played until he was 40. I want to keep going. I mean, keep on playing professionally to see the change that is coming for our sport and Im super excited about it," the 38-year-old said in Saudi Arabia.
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The things that are happening that I cant openly speak about at the moment, but I feel like in the next couple of years, I feel like tennis is a sport that can be and will be transformed. I want to be part of that change and not just part of that change, but I want to be playing when we rejuvenate our sport and set the platform that is going to be there for decades to come.
When asked directly about possibly soon retiring, Djokovic underlined: Its not happening. Im sorry to disappoint them. Its just not happening."
