Novak Djokovic is rarely happy and all the time finds new motivations to proceed competing on the highest stage. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has gained every thing a participant can dream of and shattered virtually each males’s tennis file, however he has no plans to retire but to begin one other chapter in his life.
Many followers and insiders thought that the extraordinary triumph on the Paris Olympics this summer time would deliver him nearer to retirement, being the one ‘title’ that he was nonetheless lacking and that he had been chasing for a few years.
The previous world no 1 shocked the entire world at 37 years outdated and on the surfaces much less congenial to his sport, successful the Olympic event with out shedding a single set and unleashing the very best efficiency of the season within the closing in opposition to Carlos Alcaraz (who was the good favourite for the gold medal in keeping with bookmakers).
Novak Djokovic© Novak Djokovic/Instagram – Truthful Use
After that success, Nole struggled to play his finest tennis within the second half of the season and determined to skip the final official tournaments (the Rolex Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin). Nevertheless, Novak was eager to reiterate that tennis continues to be his precedence and he proved it by hiring his good friend and former rival Andy Murray as coach for the 2025 Australian Open.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade needs to win his twenty fifth Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park and is making ready with the utmost dedication to attain one more feat in his legendary profession. In contrast to up to now, the Serbian ace won’t be the primary favourite in Australia and will have a really robust draw however nobody can afford to underestimate him.
Nole loves competitors
His season will begin in Brisbane originally of January, in order to shortly get used to the situations and local weather. Being a really clever particular person, Djokovic understood the necessity to change one thing as a way to be aggressive in opposition to rivals a lot youthful than him.
Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2022© Stream screenshot
In an extended interview with ‘Tennis Majors’, former Prime 10 Tomas Berdych defined why Nole continues to play: “Of course, it is sad to see the guys having to stop their careers, but you know it’s going to happen, and it’s impossible for them to play forever.
But when you look at their achievements, I totally get why they were trying to really push it because you never know what might happen.
It would be history, which is why I think Novak is still playing.
If he feels well and then if he manages to win another one, it’s the biggest thing that can happen.
“When you gave it all for the last, I don’t know, 20, 25 years, why would you stop when you feel that you are still competitive?”
Constructive vibes
Though many consider that the brand new partnership with Murray is linked extra to industrial causes, a legend like Djokovic can not accept a minor position on the ATP tour and can do every thing he can to make his mark once more. 2024 was a troublesome 12 months for him from a number of factors of view. Through the French Open, the previous world No. 1 suffered a knee damage that pressured him to bear surgical procedure.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion recovered shortly and reached the ultimate on the Wimbledon Championships, however continued to put on the brace all through the remainder of the season. The Serbian ace complained of some shoulder and knee discomfort within the final tournaments of his season, which is why he took an extended break to recharge his batteries.
Novak performed an exhibition match with Juan Martin del Potro in Buenos Aires in early December, bursting into tears alongside along with his nice Argentine good friend. The 37-year-old from Belgrade observed that each one his primary rivals are retiring and nostalgia has taken over him.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2024© Stream screenshot
On the newest version of Andy Roddick’s podcast, former World No.1 John McEnroe mentioned the wonderful union between Nole and Andy: “He got pushed into retirement because his body wouldn’t hold up. Murray is an incredible player. He has won three majors and been in 11 Grand Slam finals, but unfortunately, it catches up to you and it’s hard, it’s really hard. He desperately wanted to play.
It would give Murray a little bit, it will give him more positive vibes and I’m kidding about needing a break from his kids. Everyone gets so upset. He will certainly sleep a little better though.
This guy is a tennis geek and he loves it. He’ll leave no stone unturned for Novak, just the way he did for himself. This guy gave 120 per-cent, he gave absolutely everything.
I think Murray will bring something to the table. Just his mere presence and Novak has a lot of respect for him, so he will be able to push him when he needs to.”
