24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has firmly dismissed retirement rumours, stating that he plans to proceed taking part in into his 40s. Drawing inspiration from sports activities icons like LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady, he goals to emulate their longevity.
Djokovic, at the moment competing within the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, highlighted that extending his profession is a significant motivation, expressing curiosity about how far he can push his limits.
The Serbian star has confronted challenges in recent times, failing to assert a significant title because the 2023 US Open. A former World No.1, Djokovic emphasised that he desires to stay a part of the evolution of tennis over the approaching years.
“Longevity is one in every of my greatest motivations. I actually wish to see how far I can go. If you happen to see throughout all the worldwide sports activities, Lebron James he’s nonetheless going sturdy, he’s 40, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady performed till he was 40-something years previous, it’s unbelievable,” Djokovic advised Riyadh Season.
“They’re inspiring me. Within the subsequent couple of years tennis is a sport that may be enormously reworked and I wish to be a part of that change. I wish to be taking part in once we rejuvenate our sport and set the brand new platform that’s going to go on for many years to return,” Djokovic added.
Djokovic has reached the semi-finals of all 4 Grand Slams this yr however has fallen quick every time. The 38-year-old just lately competed on the Shanghai Masters, the place he was defeated by Valentin Vacherot, who went on to assert the title by beating his cousin Arthur Rinderknech within the remaining.
The Serbian star has additionally been battling damage considerations over the previous 18 months. Since shedding the world No. 1 rating to Jannik Sinner ultimately yr’s French Open, Djokovic dropped out of the highest 5 after an astonishing 825 weeks on the elite degree.
Following a season marked by a number of early-round exits, questions stay about how he’ll bounce again within the coming yr.
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