Novak Djokovic drops new retirement hint as Serb’s farewell tour put on hold | Tennis | Sport

Novak Djokovic has suggested that he may not retire for several years despite being just weeks away from celebrating his 39th birthday. The veteran Serb has been playing at the highest level for the best part of two decades but is no longer considered the world’s very best. He has been surpassed by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who look set to keep dominating men’s tennis for a long time.

Their emergence has sparked speculation that Djokovic could decide to call it quits sooner rather than later. However, it seems he has no intention of stepping away from the court for the foreseeable future. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, he insisted that he still has unfinished business on the very biggest stages.

“Obviously, I’d like to win at least another Grand Slam title, stay healthy, and continue playing for years to come,” said Djokovic.

“But there are so many other things I want to be involved in to observe the changes taking place in tennis. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, and I’d like to see it as an active player too.

“I have so many plans and dreams, especially as a father. I want to be there for my children’s goals, because I travel so much that I’m often away with them and my wife.

“Then there are so many professional projects that I can’t wait to share with the world. The areas that interest me are wellness, longevity, physical and mental health. These are areas where I think my contribution is yet to come.”

Djokovic was also asked if he had any regrets throughout his career and replied: “Yes, of course, but I try not to get stuck in them for too long. Many are work-related.

“When I lose a game, I obviously think about everything in my head, about what I could have done better. I regret not making different decisions. In my personal life, it’s the same.

“I think we all have moments when we think we could have done better. I can’t lie to myself and say I don’t have regrets, I just don’t think about them too much.”

Only time will tell if Djokovic manages to win another Grand Slam title before he retires.

He isn’t getting any younger and the prospect of further glory seems to be slipping away from him, with Alcaraz and Sinner going from strength to strength.

However, the Serb has repeatedly shown that he shouldn’t be counted out and will be determined to prove his doubters wrong over the coming months and years.