I'll probably start to rethink': Novak Djokovic lays down Plans For Retirement

I’ll probably start to rethink’: Novak Djokovic lays down

Plans For Retirement
Dec 13, 2023

The arrival of Carlos Alcaraz as a
bona fide contender for grand slams could mark the beginning of the end for
Novak Djokovic .

Across the last five years and 17 tournaments, Djokovic has featured in 13
finals and won 10 of them – defeated at the death only by Rafael Nadal, Daniil
Medvedev, and Alcaraz.

This year, Djokovic fell just shy of a clean sweep. He won the Australian
Open, Roland-Garris, and the US Open. Alcaraz won Wimbledon.

The Serbian is no spring chicken at 36 years old. Nevertheless, he is arguably
in the best form of his life.

Novak Djokovic rips his shirt in celebration after defeating Carlos Alcaraz at
the conclusion of the men’s singles final of the Western & Southern Open tennis
tournament at Lindner Family Tennis Center. (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
However, if Alcaraz or other up-and-comers turn the tide against Djokovic and
consistently deprive him of wins then he’ll know it’s time to call it quits.

Speaking with Jon Wertheim on 60 Minutes, Djokovic detailed his retirement
thought process.

Maybe the moment will become closer once I start not to win the grand slams
and not to be able to be one of the main contenders for major titles.

“And once the young guys start kicking my butt, then I’ll probably, you know,
start to rethink and question whether I should keep going.

“But for now, it’s all good.”

Retirement, it would seem, isn’t something that’ll come any time soon.

Djokovic has been remarkably injury-free while one of his primary rivals
Rafael Nadal is plagued with problems at 37.