09 September 2023 , 06:00
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Novak Djokovic has sent a strong message that he has no intention of considering retirement as he closes on in a record-equaling US Open win.
Djokovic beat Ben Shelton in the semi-final on Friday night to book his spot in Sunday’s final. If he wins, the Serbian will match Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
The 36-year-old will go down in history as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. But he is now at the stage of his career where people are inevitably debating when he might call it quits.
His own parents even called on him to retire earlier this year. Speaking in a documentary named Novak Djokovic – Untold Stories, the tennis legend’s mother Dijana Djokovic said: “It’s all up to him. As far as I’m concerned, he can retire right now – he has won everything.”
His father, Srdan, added: “As far as my wishes for him go, he has already fulfilled them all seven/eight years ago. The rest is this amazing bonus. Tennis is only one segment of his life, not his whole life.”
Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear
Despite concerns from those closest to him, Djokovic issued a strong statement on the prospect of retirement after his US Open win. He insisted he has no plans whilst he is still able to dominate as he did against American sensation Shelton at Flushing Meadows.
“It probably sounds cocky or arrogant but I’m not really surprised,” Djokovic said after his latest win. “I know how much work and dedication I put into trying to be in this position.
Novak Djokovic addressed talk of retirement in a strong manner after reaching the US Open final (US Open)“I know I deserve this. I always believe in myself, in my own capabilities as a tennis player to be able to deliver when it matters.
“I’m not really surprised to be honest. I feel good physically. I’ve been as good as I’ve been in years and years.
“Age is just a number. That phrase is really resonating with me at the moment. I don’t want to even consider leaving tennis or thinking about an end if I’m still at the top of the game.
“I’ll probably consider doing that if I get my ass kicked by young guys in Grand Slams in the years to come.”
Djokovic still shows few signs of slowing up and his rivals remain wary he is very much the man to beat. He will face Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final after he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the other semi-final.