Novak Djokovic rules out retirement plans ahead of Indian Wells return
Novak Djokovic has insisted he has no intention of retiring while he retains his competitive edge as he prepares to return to action at Indian Wells.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not featured on the ATP Tour since his defeat by Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
However, the 38-year-old is back in California seeking a sixth title at the Masters 1000 event.
‘Fire and flair’ remains
Speaking before his second-round match against Kamil Majchrzak, the Serbian dismissed suggestions that he was nearing the end of his illustrious career.
Djokovic maintains that his ability to challenge the sport’s younger generation is the primary factor in his decision to continue playing.
“My logic is why not keep going as long as I have that fire and flair and quality and the motivation to do that,” said the world number three.
“I have proven to myself primarily and to others that I can still compete at the highest level and beat these guys.”
Despite a lighter schedule focused almost exclusively on major tournaments to aid physical recovery, the veteran remains firmly inside the world’s top three.
Competing with the best
The 38-year-old cited his recent run in Melbourne, which included a five-set semi-final victory over Jannik Sinner, as evidence of his enduring quality.
Djokovic believes his ranking and performance levels justify his continued presence on the tour.
“It was an incredible feeling to be able to beat Sinner in five sets in one of the epic matches that I played in recent times in Australia,” he added.
“And then have another great match with Carlos [Alcaraz], who was just too good in the end. For me, that has been a phenomenal result.”
The former world number one emphasised that the adrenaline of elite sport continues to drive him as he approaches his 39th birthday.
“I really enjoy the thrill of competition,” he said.
“I enjoy still getting out there in front of the fans and being competitive. I still have that edge, and I’ll keep on going as long as I feel like it.”
