Djokovic Slams Retirement Rumors: ‘Not Happening,’ Aims for 40s After Tying Federer’s Record

Djokovic Slams Retirement Rumors: 'Not Happening,' Aims for 40s After Tying Federer's Record

Think Novak Djokovic is ready to hang up his racquet? Think again. The tennis legend just sent a powerful message to everyone who’s been speculating about his retirement after a few tough losses. Speaking recently, the 38-year-old made it crystal clear he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Key Takeaways

  • Novak Djokovic has directly shut down all retirement rumors, stating he has no plans to stop playing professional tennis.
  • He’s inspired by long-career athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Tom Brady, aiming to compete into his 40s.
  • In May 2025, he won his 100th career singles title at the Geneva Open.
  • Djokovic just qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals for the 18th time, matching Roger Federer’s all-time record.

‘Sorry to Disappoint Them’

Look, the whispers started getting louder after a surprise semifinal loss at the Shanghai Masters in early October. And yeah, he admitted feeling the strain after a five-set battle with Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open. But anyone who thought that was the end was seriously mistaken. Djokovic’s response to the chatter was blunt. “I’m sorry to disappoint them, it’s just not happening.” That’s a direct quote. He’s not just staying, he’s motivated.

He sees what other elite athletes are doing and wants a piece of that longevity. He specifically mentioned looking up to icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Tom Brady, who are all pushing boundaries and competing at the highest level well into their late 30s and 40s. For Djokovic, that’s the new benchmark.

Records Keep Tumbling

But honestly, you just have to look at his 2025 season to see the retirement talk was premature. This is a guy who reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams this year. Let that sink in. In May, he captured his 100th career title at the Geneva Open, a massive milestone for any player. And the records don’t stop there.

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On October 18, 2025, Djokovic officially qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals for a staggering 18th time. Who else has done that? Only one other player in history: Roger Federer. He’s not just playing, he’s continuing to operate in legendary territory. Despite the noise, his performance speaks for itself.

What’s Next for the Legend?

So, what’s on the horizon? His schedule is still packed. He just competed in the 6 Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh. Next up is the inaugural Hellenic Championships in Athens from November 2-8. He’s also excited about the future of tennis and wants to be an active part of shaping its evolution. He’s not just a player; he’s a pillar of the sport.

The only real question mark is whether he’ll play the ATP Finals. Even though he’s qualified, some think he might skip it for the second year in a row to rest and prepare for the next season. But whether he plays in the finals or not, one thing is certain: Novak Djokovic isn’t done writing his story. Not by a long shot. So, what do you think? How many more titles does he have left in the tank?