Novak Djokovic’s illustrious career is one for the ages. The Serbian tennis legend has dominated the sport for over a decade, amassing countless records and achievements along the way. As of 2025, Djokovic has firmly established himself as one of the greatest players to ever step onto a tennis court, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. But despite his immense success, the subject of retirement has always lingered in the background of his career.
Recently, the conversation about Djokovic’s retirement became more public than the 22-time Grand Slam champion might have preferred, thanks to comments made by his father, Srdjan Djokovic. After Srdjan leaked private discussions about Novak’s plans for the future, the world got an unexpected glimpse into the Serbian’s retirement intentions. In a fresh interview, Novak addressed the controversy, clarifying his thoughts on his eventual exit from the sport.
### The Leak That Sparked Headlines
It was an ordinary interview with Serbian media when Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, revealed that his son had already begun contemplating retirement. Srdjan, known for his outspoken nature and supportive role in Novak’s career, inadvertently triggered a media frenzy when he shared that Novak was “considering stepping away from tennis sooner than expected” and that his son had privately mentioned the possibility of retiring in the next two to three years.
The comments sent shockwaves through the tennis world, especially considering Djokovic’s exceptional form and his continued ability to compete at the highest level, winning Grand Slams and setting records. Fans and pundits were taken aback by the admission, questioning whether the world No. 1 was truly ready to call it quits on a career that still seemed to have so much to give.
Despite the public uproar, Novak had not spoken publicly about his retirement plans for several months, and his father’s comments added fuel to a fire that had been quietly smoldering. In the days following the leak, speculation ran rampant. Was Djokovic really considering retirement so soon? Or was this simply another example of a father being overly candid about his son’s future?
### Novak’s Response: A Candid Admission
After the leak, Novak Djokovic took to social media and conducted a series of interviews to address his father’s comments. In a calm but candid admission, he clarified his position on retirement, acknowledging that while his father’s comments were not entirely inaccurate, the timing had caught him by surprise.
“First of all, I want to say that I love and respect my father, and I understand his intentions,” Novak began, with a hint of both gratitude and frustration in his voice. “He’s always been there for me, through thick and thin. But I must say that these discussions we’ve had about my future are personal, and I was not expecting them to be shared publicly. That being said, it’s not completely off the mark.”
In a follow-up statement, Djokovic explained that he had indeed been thinking more about life after tennis, especially after his historic achievements. “At this stage in my career, I’ve achieved everything I could have dreamed of — and more,” he continued. “But that doesn’t mean I’m looking to retire tomorrow. It’s just that the idea has started to enter my mind more frequently. It’s natural. No athlete can compete at this level forever. The body and the mind change, and you have to be prepared for that.”
Novak revealed that he has always approached his career with a “one step at a time” mentality. While his physical conditioning and mental drive are still as sharp as ever, he also acknowledged that he’s been contemplating his longevity. Djokovic, like many elite athletes, has a clear understanding that the body and mind eventually need rest. Even though he remains one of the most physically fit players in the sport, the grueling travel schedule, combined with the emotional toll of constant competition, has led him to think about how much longer he can sustain his peak performance.
### Djokovic’s Legacy: Still Focused on the Present
While retirement is a topic Djokovic now knows he can no longer avoid, he was quick to point out that it’s not something he’s actively planning for in the immediate future. “I’m still very focused on playing at the highest level and winning more titles,” he said. “My mind is firmly set on the next tournament, the next match. I still feel like I have a lot to give, and I’m excited about the challenge of staying at the top. But as I get older, I’m more aware of the fact that tennis can’t last forever.”
This focus on the present is one of the key traits that has kept Djokovic at the top of the sport for so long. His mentality of taking things match by match, year by year, is what allowed him to outlast many of his peers, including Federer and Nadal. Djokovic has continually proven that his commitment to self-improvement and his ability to adapt have been key to his prolonged success.
Moreover, Djokovic expressed gratitude for every moment he’s had on the tennis court. “I don’t take anything for granted,” he said. “Every day I spend on this court is a blessing, and I’m aware of how lucky I am to be able to play at this level at my age. I’m incredibly grateful to my team, my family, and my fans for supporting me through all these years.”
### The Emotional Side of Retirement
For Djokovic, retirement isn’t just a physical decision; it’s deeply emotional. Tennis has been his life since he was a young boy in Belgrade, and the thought of walking away from the sport that has defined him is a complex and multifaceted issue.
“My relationship with tennis is more than just about the trophies and records. It’s about passion, joy, and purpose,” Djokovic confessed. “When that passion starts to fade or when the joy begins to diminish, that’s when I’ll know it’s time. But I’m not there yet. I still love the game, and I still love competing at the highest level.”
Indeed, Djokovic’s bond with the sport runs deep. Having grown up in difficult circumstances in war-torn Serbia, tennis has been a constant source of stability and fulfillment for him. As such, walking away from the game will be no easy task, even when the time comes.
However, Novak admitted that he is trying to prepare himself for the inevitable. “I want to go out on my terms, when I feel like I’ve given everything I have to give. But that’s a process that I’m not rushing. I want to enjoy every moment I have left in this sport, and I’ll retire when the time is right — when I feel at peace with my decision.”
### The Future Beyond Tennis
As Novak contemplates his future, one thing is clear: he’s not going to disappear from the spotlight when he eventually retires. Djokovic has expressed a desire to remain involved in tennis and sports in some capacity, whether through coaching, mentoring younger players, or even playing a role in the sport’s global development.
“Retirement doesn’t mean disappearing from the sport. I’ll still be involved,” Djokovic said. “I want to give back to tennis, to help the next generation, and to contribute in any way I can to the growth of the game. My passion for the sport will never fade.”
It’s clear that Djokovic’s retirement, whenever it may come, won’t mark an end to his impact on tennis. His legacy is secure, and even in his final years, Djokovic will undoubtedly continue to influence the game he helped shape.
### Conclusion: A Champion’s Reflection
Novak Djokovic’s career has been defined by mental resilience, physical brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Now, as he enters the twilight of his career, he’s faced with a difficult but inevitable reality: retirement. His father’s comments might have sparked premature discussions, but Djokovic’s recent admission shows that he is thinking about the future — but still very much focused on the present. Whether he retires in two, three, or five years, Novak Djokovic’s legacy is already cemented. The tennis world will surely cherish every moment he has left on the court.