Novak Djokovic, one of the most successful and dominant tennis players in history, has long been a fixture in the sport, amassing an extraordinary collection of Grand Slam titles and breaking numerous records along the way. As he approaches his 37th birthday and continues to compete at the highest level, the topic of his eventual retirement has become more pressing. However, Djokovic’s recent comments about his father, Srdjan Djokovic, “trying to retire him” have sparked a mix of curiosity and intrigue within the tennis community. In this blog post, we’ll dive into Novak’s reflections on his retirement, the influence of his family, and what his future might look like in the world of tennis.
### Novak Djokovic’s Legacy and Longevity in Tennis
Before delving into Novak Djokovic’s retirement plans, it’s essential to appreciate the remarkable career he’s had thus far. As of early 2025, Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, a record he currently holds alongside Margaret Court in the all-time list, and he remains the only male player in history to achieve this feat. His battles against rivals like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and more recently, younger talents like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, have become the stuff of tennis lore.
What’s even more impressive about Djokovic’s career is his ability to sustain excellence over such a long period. While many players struggle with consistency or fall off the radar after a certain age, Djokovic has not only remained relevant but has continued to dominate well into his 30s. The Serbian’s physical fitness, mental fortitude, and adaptability have allowed him to stay at the top of the game, often surprising younger players and critics alike.
Despite this sustained success, questions surrounding Djokovic’s retirement have been inevitable. After all, time waits for no one, and the aging process has a way of catching up with every athlete, no matter how legendary they may be. However, Djokovic has often expressed his desire to keep playing as long as he can compete at the highest level, citing both his passion for the game and his unyielding work ethic as motivations to continue.
### The Influence of Family: “My Dad Is Trying To Retire Me”
In a recent interview ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic shared a personal and somewhat lighthearted anecdote about his father’s efforts to push him into retirement. “My dad is trying to retire me,” Djokovic joked, revealing that his father, Srdjan Djokovic, has been suggesting that he step away from the game sooner rather than later.
Srdjan Djokovic, a key figure in Novak’s career and a constant presence in his support team, has always been vocal about his son’s achievements and the sacrifices they’ve made as a family to support his career. However, Novak’s revelation that his father wants him to retire reflects an interesting dynamic within their relationship. Srdjan, who has witnessed his son’s career unfold from its early days in Serbia to the global stage, perhaps recognizes the toll that decades of professional tennis have taken on Novak’s body. While Novak is still playing at an elite level, the demands of the sport—both physically and mentally—are immense, and even someone as resilient as Djokovic needs time to rest and recover.
The comments about his father trying to retire him also highlight the broader theme of family support in the world of elite sports. For many top athletes, family plays a pivotal role in shaping their careers, providing emotional support, and offering advice during the inevitable highs and lows. Novak Djokovic has often credited his family, including his father, mother, and wife Jelena, for being his rock throughout his career. But like any close-knit family, they also play the role of being protective and concerned, especially as Novak approaches the later stages of his career.
While Novak’s father may be encouraging him to retire, it’s clear that the decision ultimately lies with Novak himself. And so far, there’s no indication that he’s ready to step away from tennis just yet. Instead, his comments suggest a more humorous, familial tug-of-war: Novak wants to keep playing, while his father may wish for him to prioritize his health and personal life over the relentless grind of professional tennis.
### Djokovic’s Relationship with Retirement: “Not Yet, but Soon?”
Despite his father’s suggestions, Novak Djokovic has made it clear in various interviews that he doesn’t have any immediate plans to retire. “I still feel that I can compete at the highest level, and I’m doing everything in my power to stay in top physical condition,” Djokovic said recently. His commitment to fitness, diet, and mental preparation remains unwavering, and he continues to compete with the same intensity and determination that propelled him to the top of the game.
However, Djokovic is not blind to the realities of aging. As he approaches his late 30s, the questions surrounding his longevity are only going to increase. Most players, even the greatest of all time, face a point where their bodies start to betray them or they lose the will to continue. The demands of tennis—especially at the elite level—are grueling, with long seasons, frequent travel, and intense physical exertion.
In some ways, Djokovic’s career mirrors that of his two main rivals, Federer and Nadal, both of whom have dealt with injuries and evolving expectations as they aged. Federer famously retired in 2022 after battling a series of knee issues, while Nadal, despite his enduring love for the game, has had to deal with chronic injuries in recent years. Djokovic has managed to keep injuries at bay for the most part, though he has dealt with his own share of setbacks, including elbow issues and a recent hamstring problem that forced him to withdraw from several events.
Looking ahead, Djokovic himself has acknowledged that retirement is inevitable, but it’s a topic he doesn’t feel the need to rush into. “I’m not planning to retire anytime soon, but I also don’t want to keep playing if I don’t feel like I’m at the top of my game,” Djokovic stated. This suggests that the Serbian superstar is taking a pragmatic approach to the end of his career. He’s not looking to extend his playing days unnecessarily but will step away when he feels he’s no longer competitive or physically capable of playing at the highest level.
### The Australian Open and Djokovic’s Future
As Novak Djokovic prepares for the 2025 Australian Open, where he is once again one of the favorites to win, the tournament marks a symbolic moment in his career. The Australian Open has been particularly kind to Djokovic over the years, with him winning a record nine titles at Melbourne Park. His familiarity with the courts and the environment, combined with his passion for the tournament, make him a formidable opponent whenever he steps onto the court.
However, this year’s Australian Open could very well be one of the last times we see Djokovic competing for a major title in Melbourne. If he were to win, it would add yet another achievement to his already-impressive legacy. But if he were to fall short, the end of the tournament could also signal the beginning of discussions about the next phase of his life. Djokovic has already begun to explore other facets of his career, including charitable initiatives, business ventures, and possibly coaching or mentoring younger players. It’s clear that, while retirement may be on the horizon, Novak Djokovic has plenty of interests to keep him busy once he decides to step away from the sport.
### Conclusion
Novak Djokovic’s comments about his father attempting to retire him have sparked both laughter and reflection among fans and tennis analysts alike. As one of the greatest players in tennis history, Djokovic has every right to continue playing as long as he can, but the reality of retirement is gradually approaching. His father’s concerns reflect the broader desire within his family for him to enjoy life outside of tennis—something that will become increasingly important as Djokovic enters the twilight years of his career.
For now, however, Djokovic is focused on the present. With the Australian Open ahead of him and the chance to add yet another Grand Slam title to his already legendary collection, Novak Djokovic’s retirement might be a distant thought. But when the time does come, it will undoubtedly mark the end of an era in tennis—a moment that no fan will forget.