Novak Djokovic not thinking of retirement as former world No. 1 targets 25th Grand Slam - 'I still really enjoy the thrill of competition'
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Published 05/03/2026 at 19:44 GMT
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Novak Djokovic says he sees no reason to step away from tennis while he remains motivated to compete and capable of defeating the best in the business. The 38-year-old underlined his enduring quality at the Australian Open in January, producing a remarkable semi-final victory over defending champion Jannik Sinner before ultimately losing to world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Murray picks out 'best chance' for Djokovic to win 25th Slam after Alcaraz loss
Video credit: TNT Sports
Novak Djokovic insists he sees no reason to step away from tennis while he remains driven to compete and capable of defeating the game’s elite.
The 38-year-old demonstrated his enduring quality at the Australian Open in January, producing a remarkable semi-final victory over defending champion Jannik Sinner before ultimately falling to world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
That run served as further evidence that Djokovic remains a formidable presence on the biggest stages.
"It was an incredible feeling to beat Sinner in five sets in one of the most epic matches I’ve played in Australia in recent years," Djokovic told reporters at Indian Wells.
"Then I had another great match with Carlos, who was simply too good in the end."
"For me, it was a phenomenal result. More than anything, I proved to myself - and to others - that I can still compete at the highest level and beat these guys," he added.
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Highlights: Alcaraz beats Djokovic to complete career Grand Slam
Video credit: TNT Sports
That belief continues to fuel his decision to play on. "My logic is simple: why stop as long as I still have the fire, the flair, the quality and the motivation?"
The 24-time Grand Slam champion says one advantage of his stage of career is the freedom to carefully shape his schedule.
His calendar now revolves largely around the four Grand Slams and select warm-up tournaments, though he continues to make room for Indian Wells in the California desert, where he has been crowned champion five times.
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"I still really enjoy the thrill of competition," Djokovic said. "I enjoy going out there in front of the fans and being competitive."
Still ranked No. 3 in the world, he believes the results justify his continued presence at the top level.
"That’s not too bad in terms of ranking, results and performances," he added. "I’m still competitive. I still have that edge - and I’ll keep going for as long as I feel like it."
Djokovic, seeded third at Indian Wells, will begin his campaign on Saturday against either France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard or Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak, as he bids for a sixth title at the tournament.
Djokovic, who turns 39 in May, has recently said he has a desire to take part in the next Olympic Games in 2028.
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Murray pinpoints where final swung Alcaraz's way
Video credit: TNT Sports
Djokovic has competed in four Olympics during his glittering career, winning bronze in 2008 before securing the gold at Paris 2024.
Los Angeles remains a target for the defending champion but his involvement naturally remains doubtful given his age.
"It's far away, yes," he told Corriere TV during an appearance in Milan in February. "At this stage of my life and career, it’s far off, but obviously I have the desire to get there.
"God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six or 12 months, so it has been a great ride.
"That’s why I left it open. I really don’t know. You’ve followed me for a long time and I don’t pretend or fake things. I told you for the last year or year and a half that I’m not sure how much and what is next.
"I said I’d like to play until the 2028 Olympics, but that might mean playing one tournament a year, maybe 10, 15, two, or seven - I honestly don’t know.
"I don’t want to make decisions about my schedule and future so far in advance. Right now, my only wish is to be with my family and then I’ll see what’s next."
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