Novak Djokovic still far from retirement: "My body still listens to me"
Roger Federer ended his career, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were about to. Only Novak Djokovic doesn't seem to have any such plans yet.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Sep 30, 2022, 09:05 am
Djokovic recently showed little "rusting" after his long break from competition - he had last played in Wimbledon and had to skip the US tour due to entry regulations (obligatory vaccination).
At the Laver Cup, he put in a flawless performance against Frances Tiafoe (but then suffered a wrist problem in the match against Felix Auger-Aliassime). And now, at the current tournament in Tel Aviv: he hardly worked up a sweat against Pablo Andujar (6: 0, 6: 3), especially in the first round.
So it's no wonder that the Djoker is far from thinking about the end of his career. He also explained that at the Laver Cup. "I don't feel that old yet, to be honest," Djokovic said last weekend. "I still feel like my body serves me, that it listens to me. That's the key, I think, when you're over 35."
Djokovic plays fewer tournaments
However, Djokovic has also thinned out his tournament schedule in recent years. Especially since he had announced exactly that after his number 1 record (most weeks at the top of the world rankings) (also regardless of the corona conditions).
"I don't play as much as I did a few years ago. I want to reach my peak in the best tournaments, the biggest tournaments in the world, so the Grand Slams and some of the biggest ATP tournaments, and play for my country."
A good sign, especially since Rafael Nadal's career continuation always seems questionable. Due to his foot problems, he had already thought about ending his career at the French Open.
And Andy Murray: Was also very close to retiring a few years ago due to a broken hip. Currently, however, the Scot also seems to be planning some time on the tour: as long as he feels physically good, he wants to continue playing, he also said in London.