'When Young Guys Start Kicking My Butt': Novak Djokovic On When He Will Retire
Novak Djokovic said that he feels he is creating new records rather than chasing any at this stage of his career.
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis ace, has said that he is done chasing records in his tennis career and is at that point in his life where he is wanting to create new ones and pushing the boundary. For context, Djokovic happens to be the the first man to win 24 Grand Slam titles with the next best Rafael Nadal at 22. However, while Nadal continues to struggle with an injury and it remains to be seen whether he can replicate his prime form after returning from an injury, Djokovic continues to remain at the top of his fitness and skill at 36.
"I don't feel like I'm chasing anything now. I feel like I'm creating. That's kind of a mindset I have," Djokovic said as per Jon Wertheim's latest piece on Sports Illustrated.
On the retirement question which is thrown at him every now and then with the Serb on the wrong side of the 30s, he said that he would start thinking about it when the youngsters start outplaying him in crucial tournaments.
"Maybe the moment will become closer once I start not to win the Grand Slams and not to be able to be one of the main contenders for major titles. And once the young guys start kicking my butt, then I'll probably start to rethink and question whether I should keep going. But for now, it's all good," he added.
Novak Djokovic Has His Eyes Set On Six Indian Wells Title
Even though Djokovic failed to win a record-extending 11th Australian Open tile to begin the year, falling short in the semifinal, he now has his eyes set to winning his sixth Indian Wells title. Djokovic has previously won the title in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016. He currently stands tied with Roger Federer who also has five titles to his name. Indian Wells Open 2024 is set to kickoff on March 6 (Wednesday).
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