US Open champion Novak Djokovic's retirement plan as he chases record Grand Slam

11 September 2023 , 10:11

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Novak Djokovic won his fourth US Open title to draw level with Margaret Court's all-time record for Grand Slam wins (Image: AP)

Novak Djokovic has offered some insight into his retirement plans after conquering Daniil Medvedev in the men’s US Open final on Sunday.

Djokovic won his fourth US Open title at Flushing Meadows with a 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 straight sets victory over Medvedev. The Serbian megastar is set to become the new World No. 1, overpowered Medvedev to win a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam as he eyes moving clear of Margaret Court’s 50-year record.

Following wins at the Australian Open and Roland Garros earlier this year, Djokovic has won three of the four Grand Slam titles in 2023, becoming the first man to achieve this feat on four occasions. He missed out on the Calendar Grand Slam by losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, but still claimed three major titles in a dominant season from the Serb.

The US Open final was another stunning display from Djokovic, with a comfortable opening set followed by a gruelling second which lasted one hour and 44 minutes. He exchanged breaks with Medvedev early in the third but held on to secure US Open glory for the first time since 2018.

After the win, Djokovic spoke of how he is living out his ‘childhood dream’ to compete at the top of the sport for so long. When asked about any potential looming retirement, the 36-year-old joked he could stick around for some time yet.

Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear

“I feel good in my own body, I still feel I got the support of my environment, of my team, of my family,” he told reporters. “Knowing that I play at such a high level still and I win the biggest tournaments in this sport, I don’t want to leave this sport if I’m still at the top, you know, if I’m still playing the way I’m playing.

“Eventually one day I will leave tennis in about 23, 24 years and there is going to be new young players coming up. Until then, I guess you’ll see me a bit more.”

Novak Djokovic paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant after winning his 24th Grand Slam title (AP)

Djokovic will have the chance to surpass Court at her home tournament, the Australian Open - where he has already won a record 10 titles. He also has the opportunity to extend his stranglehold on the men’s major singles record by continuing to find success in the coming years.

Djokovic’s long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic revealed the icon is planning to play at the Olympic Games in 2028 - when he will be 41 years of age - given he has never won a coveted gold medal. He will get his chance in Los Angeles, although could yet compete in Paris next year.

“Novak is planning to play the Olympics in 2028 in LA,” Ivanisevic said. “I don’t think he will say 'enough' if he wins [his] 25th [Grand Slam title]. He is taking care of every single detail, he is never happy on the court, has a huge drive. He's a winner. He's the guy who is motivating himself.”

Andrew Gamble