Novak Djokovic hints at extended career beyond 39, says retirement not on mind yet
Novak Djokovic has been ranked the world No. 1 in men's singles for a record 428 weeks and has also finished as the year-end No. 1 a record eight times.
Novak Djokovic has hinted that he might not retire for several more years. The Serbian veteran is only weeks away from celebrating his 39th birthday and is no longer the world No. 1, having lost that title to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Djokovic has also been dealing with fitness issues and injuries. He has also openly stated that he cannot match the physicality and endurance of Alcaraz and Sinner.
Novak Djokovic opened up on his future plans. (AP)
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In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Djokovic said he doesn't want to retire yet, as he wants to win one more Grand Slam. He is one Grand Slam away from breaking his current tie with Margaret Court (24) and achieving an all-time record of 25 major titles.
"Obviously, I'd like to win at least another Grand Slam title, stay healthy, and continue playing for years to come," he said.
"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.
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"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.
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"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.
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"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."
He has been ranked the world No. 1 in men's singles by the ATP for a record 428 weeks and has also finished as the year-end No. 1 a record eight times. Djokovic has been ranked No. 1 at least once in a year for a record 13 different years.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Tennis/Novak Djokovic hints at extended career beyond 39, says retirement not on mind yet
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