Although 2024 was not a year full of victories,Novak Djokovic has achieved his grand goal of winning the gold medal at the Olympics. The former world number 1 had been pursuing this dream for many years and did not think that he would succeed in Paris, on a surface not ideal for his style of play and beating in the final an opponent much younger than him.
The final of the Olympic tournament against Carlos Alcaraz was one of the most spectacular matches of the whole season, with Novak who prevailed thanks to two tiebreaks before going to embrace all members of his family. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has completed the puzzle by winning the gold medal and everyone wonders with what motives he can continue his career. The 37-year-old from Belgrade appeared tired and unmotivated during the US Open, which ended in the first week with a very poor performance against Alexei Popyrin.
Nole took a long break after the last Major of the season and returned to action in the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, where he reached the final losing in two sets against a great Jannik Sinner. The two champions faced again in the 'Six Kings Slam' a couple of days ago, with the Italian ace prevailing in three sets.
Nole's love for tennis
Djokovic will play today in Saudi Arabia against his eternal rival Rafael Nadal in what is supposed to be the last chapter of their amazing rivalry. Novak gave a long interview with 'La Nacion' in which he covered many topics. Among the most significant moves the 24-time Slam champion said he did not feel close to the end of his career. Djokovic has won 99 titles in his career and aims at 100 and feels he can go further and win a 25th Grand Slam even if the presence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz does not make this situation easy.
In the interview, Djokovic was asked to talk about his motivations for this final stretch of his career: "He won everything, he closed the circle with an exciting victory in the final of the Paris Olympics. Is there still a hunger? Deep down, said Djokovic, I still feel like I have some Grand Slams to win. Thats what drives me to go forward, to feel I can still do it and play the Davis Cup for Serbia.
Tennis is still a big passion for me. Maybe some people think I should retire now with the Olympic gold around my neck. At a high point. Others, on the other hand, think I should go ahead until I have a chance to win in the Grand Slam tournaments. I feel much closer to those who have this second idea. Maybe soon Ill change my mind, who knows, but now I feel like I want to go on. I am sorry for those who want me to retire, but I feel I still have time to be on the court".
Nole then claimed to have an inner fire more alive than ever and in 2025 especially in the Slam will aim to raise a new trophy. The feeling is that the Serbian legend will not have many more chances to win his 25th Major title, given the age and rapid rise of young champions like Alcaraz and Sinner.
Retirement can wait
2025 will be crucial for him from this point of view, especially the Australian Open and the Wimbledon Championships. The former world number 1 is still competitive at a very high level, but it will need to be 100% next year to achieve the last great feat of a legendary career. The 37-year-old from Belgrade is still hungry for the big tournaments and another triumph would allow him to reach 100 titles won in his career.
Interviewed by Sportal.blic, the Serbian legend opened up on the future of this sport: I dont look at it as black or white. I think I belong to that old guard that maybe cant handle the youth anymore. Changes are definitely coming, its a natural process and its been talked about for several years.
We have young guys now, but we also have a generation that is in between, Zverev, Medvedev, Tsitsipas. These are all guys who either were or are now in the top 10, Medvedev was number one. They will be there for some time to come along with the younger ones. However, I assume you mean Sinner and Alcaraz. Over the last 12 months, the two have developed an incredible rivalry and thats whats really catching peoples attention. People may not follow tennis as such, but everyone follows great rivalries.
