Djokovic refuses to discuss retirement plans, emphasizing that his decision to continue is about more than just results; Serena signs up for Auckland

At the Athens Open, Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic defeated Tabillo 7-6(3), 6-1, securing his first win against him and advancing to the ATP250 Athens quarterfinals! After the match, Djokovic responded to questions about why he has not retired yet.

“Many people thought that after the Olympics, after I won the gold medal, my professional career would end,” Djokovic admitted after his second-round match at the Athens Open, but he quickly clarified, “But I play tennis for reasons beyond just results.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion stood calmly on the Athens court when asked about retirement: “Yes, I have definitely thought about it more than once. But I refuse to discuss this topic. I just want to enjoy moments like today on the court.”

His attitude is clear and firm—there is no countdown; he plays at his own pace.

In fact, Djokovic recently expressed his stance on retirement during the Six Kings Grand Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. “Longevity in my career is one of my biggest motivations; I really want to see how far I can go,” he said.

He specifically mentioned other sports legends who have stayed competitive: “Across global sports, LeBron James is still at his peak at 40 years old. Cristiano Ronaldo (40), Tom Brady (retired at 45) all competed into their forties. It’s truly incredible. They inspire me.”

Not only has Djokovic not considered retiring, but he is also optimistic about the future of tennis: “The sport will undergo major changes in the coming years, and I want to be part of this transformation. As tennis is reborn and lays the foundation for decades to come, I hope to still be on the court.”

For Djokovic, tennis is about more than just titles and records. “Of course, results are an important part of my motivation, but I also play because I genuinely enjoy competing,” he shared at the Athens Open.

He elaborated on his mindset: “I enjoy the process of competing, everything tennis brings me—for myself, for my family, and as long as I am a professional player, I can contribute to the sport.”

This pure love for tennis drives him forward. Djokovic reiterated this during the Shanghai Masters: “I love playing in China; the crowd’s support always makes you feel comfortable and energized. When you’re down on the court, they lift you up.”

Djokovic emphasized that his decision to continue his career is based on multiple factors.

On one hand, he still maintains top-level form. Based on this season’s Grand Slam results, he has reached the singles semifinals in three consecutive majors, ranking just behind Sinner and Alcaraz, and ahead of other players born in the late ’90s and 2000s.

On the other hand, commercial considerations also play a role. It is estimated that his endorsements bring him nearly $25 million annually, largely because he remains active on the tennis circuit.

Additionally, he has records yet to complete. Djokovic is striving to reach 100 main-draw wins at the Australian Open and US Open. He has already achieved this milestone at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and with 99 wins at the Australian Open, he is set to surpass it easily next year.

Djokovic’s persistence is inspiring and admirable; however, he is not the only player refusing to retire. Serena Williams, who will turn 46 next year, announced today a major update: she will participate in the 2026 Auckland tournament.

Notably, at the 2025 WTA 500 event in Washington, 45-year-old Serena returned to the court after a 16-month break and secured her first win. In an interview, the tennis legend joked that her comeback was for health insurance. For Serena, entering the Auckland event marks her return to the tour since coming back during this year’s North American hard-court season. This news has sparked lively discussions among fans.

“Seeing these veterans still fighting on the court is truly inspiring,” a tennis fan wrote on social media. “They prove that age is really just a number.”

Another fan joked, “Have Djokovic and Serena found the fountain of youth? Djokovic’s form is incredibly well maintained. And Serena just gets more formidable with age!”(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)