Djokovic Remains Unstoppable, Inspired by Sporting Legends

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star and 24-time Grand Slam champion, has confirmed he has no intention of retiring from the sport. At 38 years old, Djokovic draws inspiration from prominent athletes such as NBA legend LeBron James, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to continue his remarkable career.

Djokovic’s last Grand Slam title came in 2023, yet he remains a formidable presence on the court, having reached the semifinals of all four major tournaments this year. Currently ranked fifth in the world, he is in Saudi Arabia competing in the lucrative Six Kings Slam exhibition event. On Thursday, he faces Italian player Jannik Sinner, with the winner advancing to the final against world number one Carlos Alcaraz.

During his appearance at the Joy Forum in Riyadh, Djokovic emphasized his drive for longevity in his career. “Longevity is one of my biggest motivations. I really want to see how far I can go,” he stated. He noted the impressive careers of his sporting peers, adding, “If you see across all the global sports, LeBron James, he’s still going strong, he’s 40, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady played till he was 40-something years old. I mean, it’s unbelievable. They’re inspiring me as well.”

Djokovic’s dedication to the sport extends beyond personal ambition. He expressed a desire to be actively involved in the evolving future of tennis. “I want to also live to see, live meaning still keep on playing professionally, to see the change that is coming for our sport,” he shared. He believes that tennis is on the brink of significant transformation and is eager to contribute to this evolution: “I want to be part of that change. I want to be not just part of that change, but I want to be playing when we kind of rejuvenate our sport and set the new platform that is going to go on for decades to come.”

In a light-hearted moment, Djokovic addressed the younger generation of players, such as Sinner and Alcaraz, who are seen as potential successors. “I’m sorry to disappoint them, it’s just not happening,” he remarked, solidifying his determination to remain a dominant force in tennis for the foreseeable future.

As Djokovic continues to reshape the narrative around longevity in sports, his commitment to excellence and passion for the game remain evident. With his sights set on future achievements, fans can expect to see more from this tennis icon in the years to come.