“I want to keep playing as long as I feel good and can compete with the younger players, and hope to win one of the Grand Slams.”
Even after struggling through a late-season slide, Djokovic says he’s staying motivated and ready for 2016.
The retirement of Roger Federer, one of tennis’ ‘Big Three’, has raised the question of retirement for the other two members of the revered group. But despite his age, Novak Djokovic says he does not feel old enough to think about hanging up his racquets yet.
Despite Federer’s recent health and playing issues, his retirement was still met with an outpouring of sadness by fans and former players.
With Andy Murray’s retirement, fans and pundits have been forced to confront the possibility that men’s tennis might lose its most marketable stars.
“I do not feel aged yet, to be honest, in regards to my tennis career,” said Djokovic after returning to tennis following his Wimbledon triumph.
“I believe maintaining a healthy body at age 35 is the key to staying in control.”
The Big Three revolutionised tennis with their own achievements and thrilling rivalries. They have won a combined 63 Grand Slam singles titles between them.
Nadal, who was 36 when he won his 22nd major at the French Open, thought about retirement in 2021 and again this year after he numbed his feet with injections before each match in Paris.
Nadal said he was not planning on quitting at the moment after receiving an RF treatment and being able to play Wimbledon.
Djokovic said he had made necessary adjustments to his schedule to look after his body.
“I want to be at my best at the biggest tournaments, Grand Slams and ATP events, as well as for my country, so that is why I am not playing as much as before,” Djokovic said.
In my mind, that motivation and inspiration are what drive me to play the best tennis. I am not near the end of my career yet, so I am determined to keep playing.
“I want to keep playing as long as I feel good and am still competitive with the young players, so I may be a candidate for Grand Slams.”
