‘Dad Is Trying To Retire Me’: Novak Djokovic Intends To Hold Off Retirement While His Father Urges A Transition

Novak Djokovic has opened up about the tension between his desire to continue playing at the highest level of tennis and his father’s wishes for him to consider retirement. Despite Djokovic’s exceptional form and drive to keep competing, his father, Srdjan Djokovic, has reportedly been encouraging him to transition away from the sport and focus on life after tennis.

In a candid interview, Novak shared that his father has been increasingly vocal about the idea of him retiring. “Dad is trying to retire me,” Djokovic joked, acknowledging that Srdjan, who has been a key figure in his career, has expressed a desire for him to take a step back and enjoy the fruits of his long and successful career.

Djokovic, who will turn 38 in 2025, has shown no signs of slowing down, continuing to dominate in Grand Slam events and maintain a top ranking on the ATP Tour. However, the prospect of retiring from the sport has been a recurring topic in his personal life, with his family, particularly his father, pushing for him to consider his future and his well-being.

While Djokovic has a deep respect for his father’s opinion, he remains determined to continue competing. The Serbian star has made it clear that he feels physically and mentally capable of playing at the top level for as long as his body allows. “I don’t have the intention of retiring right now,” Djokovic asserted, emphasizing his passion for the game and his ongoing commitment to improving his craft.

Despite the growing conversations around retirement, Djokovic has also mentioned that he’s open to transitioning into a different phase of his life when the time feels right. For now, though, he’s focused on winning more titles and adding to his legacy, with his father’s concerns serving as a reminder of the need to balance the demands of professional sport with personal well-being.