"I like competing with different generations": Novak Djokovic has no plans to slow down despite recent defeats
ATP
Novak
Djokovic has stated that he has no plans to slow down despite skipping several
tournaments so far this year. The 24-time Grand Slam champion holds a record of
11-4 this year and is yet to claim a title, although he dismissed any notion of
retirement being imminent.
After an
extraordinary 2023 season where he secured three Grand Slam titles, 2024 hasn't
been the best for 'Nole', who suffered defeats in the semifinals of the
Australian Open and Monte-Carlo Masters, along with the notable early exit in
the third round of Indian Wells against Luca Nardi, who was outside the top 100
at the time.
Changes in Djokovic's schedule
The
36-year-old tennis star has already withdrawn from two Masters 1000 tournaments
this year, despite initially confirming his participation in both. First, he
missed the Miami Open (following the surprising defeat at Indian Wells), and
after being eliminated in Monte-Carlo, he decided to withdraw from the Madrid
Open.
In a
conversation with CNN, Djokovic mentioned that he has no plans to ease his
pace: "I feel like it’s so important to always remind yourself to be in
the present moment, really to appreciate, to acknowledge, to remember where you
came from, the journey, the path, also the people that surround you," he
said.
“Every
single week there’s something new happening and new events. So I think I will
truly be able to appreciate everything that we have accomplished really, only
post-career, to be honest,” the world No. 1 said. “Because while you’re still
active … it’s what’s the next task? What’s the next challenge? You have only
maybe a few days or a week max where you’re contemplating on a great success.”
Nole has an 11-4 record for the season
“You take
nothing but the win, that’s the mentality. You kind of visualise yourself
achieving that already. So I’ve been, you know, really looking forward to it.
Of course I’m not the only one that wants to grab that title but I look forward
to it. I like competing with different generations.”
“You have
the young guys who are coming up … they’re all incredibly hungry and fit and
fast. But I use my adaptability to adjust my tactics and my game to them and
understand really what it takes, you know, what it takes to stay at the top and
compete with these guys and try to win more titles.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
