Djokovic says he pondered his retirement at a public ceremony in Nadal France
Paris – When Novak Djokovic chats with his biggest rivals in tennis – Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, they all retired – he can’t help but think of when he’s gone.
“Well, I mean, honestly, I’m thinking about the end of my own way, too,” Djokovic said Monday, a day before his first round against U.S. Mackie McDonald at the French Open.
“But,” Djokovic said with a short smile: “I didn’t consider the exact date if you want it.”
Federer, Djokovic and Murray made an unexpected appearance at the ceremony to mark Nadal’s 14 titles at Roland-Garros.
Djokovic, 38, won his 100th career title last week at the Geneva Open in Red Clay last week, what the Serbs call “My game and my game and confidence level are certainly what Roland-Garros certainly needs”.
He is the youngest member of the quartet, which collectively collects 69 Grand Slam trophies and is known by some as the Big Four tennis balls of men, who have dominated the sport for many years.
Federer, 43, competed in the finals in 2021. Murray, 38, stopped after last year’s Paris Olympics. Nadal finished last season and was welcomed Sunday for his 14-time championship at Roland-Garros.
“I’m obviously talking to Federer and Murray about their farewell, recalling and reflecting on the competition. Of course, part of me is proud that I’m still there,” Djokovic said. “But at the same time, I’ve been, and I’m still a little sad because these guys are the biggest driving force for my competition so fiercely and for so long.”
Part of what Djokovic thought of on Sunday was a appreciation for how Nadal celebrated.
Djokovic also ponders what might happen when he decides to stop.
“Rafa deserves the glory he had yesterday,” Djokovic said. “I do hope to get such a farewell from the tennis world one day. ”
He was emotional when he heard Nadal’s speech and saw the reactions of his relatives and team members of the Spanish.
“It’s a heart-warming moment,” Djokovic said. “Even if we are the most intense competitors, like he did yesterday, that personal style comes out when you lie on the court. It’s almost impossible. It won’t touch you deeply.”
Djokovic was briefly directed by Murray this season until his recent breakup, which Djokovic said was a common decision.
He also said Murray made fun of it that Djokovic could win his first title of the season on Saturday in Geneva only after they took a separate approach.
“I,” Djokovic said, “no joke.”
