Novak Djokovic feels sorry for those wanting his retirement

Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic has stated that he feels ‘sorry’ for people who want him to retire from professional tennis. The 37-year-old is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic is having a mixed campaign. For the first time in seven years, the former world number one has failed to win a single Grand Slam title. However, he completed his trophy cabinet after winning the Olympic gold medal for the first time in his career. He defeated Spain’s young tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the singles event in Paris in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 7-6.

Ever since winning that Olympic gold medal for his country, there have been calls for Djokovic to retire from professional tennis as he has won everything. However, the Belgrade-born star has been recently quoted in a report where he stated that he sees no reason to retire from the sport when he is still enjoying the process. Djokovic further stated that he feels ‘sorry’ for those people who want him to retire.

"I still feel that I enjoy the process, and it generates all these benefits for me, so why not do it?,” said Djokovic. “Some people think I should retire from tennis at the top: “You won gold, you won everything, say goodbye.” Some people think I should keep going as long as I still think I can be the favorite for a Grand Slam. I think more like them. Maybe I will change my mind, I don’t know. For now I feel like I want to keep going. How much longer? Traveling and finding motivation is becoming more difficult for me. It’s not easy. And even less so with children. I don’t want to be away from home for so long, but I still have the drive. So I feel sorry for those who want me to retire, because they will have to see me for a while longer."