Djokovic was once again asked about retirement and, unable to tolerate it anymore, snapped back: Why do I have to answer this every time?

Novak Djokovic, the record-holder with 24 Grand Slam singles titles and one of the most honored male tennis players ever, has found himself once more entangled in a familiar but unwelcome subject. Despite having rewritten tennis history with achievements like 100 ATP singles titles and an astounding 428 weeks at world No.1, the 38-year-old Serbian faces the same question after every loss: when will he retire?

For an athlete still competing at the highest level and reaching the semifinals in all four Grand Slams in the 2025 season, his response to this question remains firm: he will not retire.

According to Clay Tenis, Djokovic was recently asked the same question again, and his reply was sharp and meaningful. He expressed frustration: "Why do I have to answer this every time?" He then firmly added, "I believe I have the right to play as long as I want." This issue is not unique to him—his contemporary and three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka also often faces the same question.

Djokovic pointed out that Wawrinka frequently encounters similar inquiries, which also annoys the Swiss player: "Wawrinka gets asked this question all the time—I’ve seen his interviews, and I think he’s absolutely right when he says, 'Guys, leave me alone. Let me keep playing and enjoying it.'" It turns out that once players reach a certain age, retirement questions follow them relentlessly, no matter how well they perform or how many times they say "no."

Currently, Djokovic is not just holding on—he is moving forward at his own pace. He added, "I understand people’s curiosity, but retirement is nowhere near my mind right now. Of course, I sometimes think about it, but ultimately I choose to play my way—playing the tournaments I want, not the ones others think I should."

This Serbian remains driven by a deep love for tennis, a strong will to keep competing, and the opportunity to represent Serbia in what might be his last Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He wants to let his racket do the talking rather than be defined by retirement rumors. In fact, he has expressed this same attitude many times before.

Djokovic’s motivation comes from his genuine passion for competition and his desire to continue contributing to the future of tennis. He explained that while achievements are a significant motivator, they are not the sole reason.

“Many people think I would retire after the Olympics or winning a gold medal, but playing tennis is not just about honors for me. Of course, accomplishments are an important part of my motivation, but I play because I truly love competing. I enjoy the process and everything tennis brings me—personally, for my family, and as a professional player contributing to the sport,” Djokovic said.

His mindset is also inspired by other sports legends—like LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady—great athletes who continue competing beyond 40, serving as his examples of lasting excellence and longevity.

For Djokovic, the final chapter of his legendary career will not be written by public pressure or external questioning. It will be authored solely by himself—driven by his eternal love for tennis and his right to fight on as long as he wishes.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)