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Novak Djokovic says he doesn’t feel ‘old enough’ to retire despite watching Roger Federer’s emotional tennis farewell – as the Serb insists he ‘wants to compete with the youngsters’ in future Grand Slams
- Novak Djokovic Says He Doesn’t Feel ‘Old Enough’ To Quit Tennis
- The Serb was part of Roger Federer’s emotional retirement from the sport
- Djokovic and Federer were part of Team Europe in the Laver Cup this week
- He insists he wants to ‘compete with the young’ up to future Grand Slams
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Roger Federer’s departure from tennis has raised questions as to whether the other two members of the respected ‘Big Three’ are retiring, but Novak Djokovic has assured him he doesn’t feel ‘old enough’ to consider taking the canvas yet. to drop.
Federer’s decision was not unexpected given the 41-year-old’s recent struggles with injuries and form, but it was still met with a torrent of grief from fans and former players alike as the Swiss powerhouse took an emotional farewell to the sport.
His departure has brought the longevity of his big rivals, Rafa Nadal and Djokovic, into sharper focus, with fans and pundits wondering how men’s tennis would cope with the prospect of losing their most marketable athletes.
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic says he doesn’t feel ‘old enough’ to retire
Roger Federer took an emotional farewell to the sport this week during the Laver Cup
“I honestly don’t feel old enough for my tennis career to end,” Djokovic told reporters on Saturday after returning to tennis for the first time since winning his 21st Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.
“I still feel like my body is serving me, listening to me carefully. I think that’s the key when you’re over 35.’
The so-called ‘Big Three’ for men revolutionized the sport with their own achievements and compelling rivalries. They have won 63 Grand Slam titles together.
A chronic foot problem forced Nadal to consider retiring in 2021 and again this year after the 36-year-old Spaniard won a 22nd major men’s title at the French Open, playing with narcotic injections before every match in Paris.
Federer (L) and Djokovic in deep conversation for Team Europe during the London tournament
Nadal said he is not currently considering retiring after radiofrequency treatment relieved pain in his foot and allowed him to play Wimbledon.
Djokovic, the strongest of the three, said he has made the necessary adjustments to his schedule to take care of his body.
“I don’t play as much as I did a few years ago. I want to peak in the best tournaments, play the biggest tournaments in the world like Grand Slams and some of the biggest ATP events for my country,” the Serb added.
“That gives me the most motivation and inspires me to play the best tennis. I really want to continue. I don’t see the end of my career at the moment.
“I just want to keep going as long as I feel good and can compete with the youngsters, that I can be one of the candidates to win Grand Slams.”
The Serb says he wants to ‘compete with the young’ in future Grand Slam championships