Novak Djokovic says no retirement for 'several years' after Zverev, Rublev beg him to stop winning

Novak Djokovic has warned his fellow professionals that he'll not be bowing out of the game anytime soon. The 24-time major winner sat down for an interview with the ATP Tour's YouTube channel, in which he answered questions served up by his tour competitors.

Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Francis Tiafoe, and others asked the Serb about his schedule management, his tips for consistent serving, his goal-setting regime, and most importantly, his retirement plans.

Zverev's query said, "What else are you trying to win now? You have 24 and you have a gold medal! You're good! You've won everything - you don't need anymore."

"Come on guys! I don't know what to say. I'm going to have to disappoint all of you because you're going to see quite a bit of me in the next several years. I have big plans and still a lot to win," Novak said in response.

Djokovic, now 37 and seeking his 11th Australian Open title in 2025, was generous with his advice in several areas.

Holger Rune asked him:

"What is the best advice you would give to a 21-year-old that's been on the tour for a couple of years already?"

"I would say never cease to be curious and open-minded to learn about yourself. We are all different, we all have different circumstances, but I think taking ownership of your life. Everyone has to be there in their places and positions to help you become the best you can be on the court and off the court - but, you know, still feeling that you're in control of your life," Djokovic answered.

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Novak Djokovic gave his knowledge and advice generously and remained clear he still had goals to reach for

2025 Australian Open - Day 4 - Source: Getty

ATP World-ranked No. 5 Daniil Medvedev questioned Novak Djokovic about the difficult task of balancing being a tennis player at the top of his game with keeping a healthy and happy family life. The Serb, who has two young children, answered:

"It's challenging obviously because I think when I became a father for me it was really all about - and it is still of course all about - my children. I now have two young children of 10 and seven and I think it's always important to have the right base and knowing that when you are with your family that you're really 100% present so they can feel that."

Current ATP World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is fast becoming the heir to the Djokovic throne, was keen to understand how the Serb developed his technique as a junior and asked him:

"Novak, my question is how much did you work on your technique growing up?"

Djokovic responded:

"I worked on my technique since I was six, seven years old, particularly from seven to like 12 years of age. I worked quite a lot with my first serious coach, but that's the base, that's where I got it, so I think it's super important that in the initial stages you work on the technique and then physically you will of course improve, you will catch up, but you need to have the right technique from the start."

Throughout the interview, Djokovic passed on his knowledge and experience to his fellow pros. His key message, however, would appear to be that despite his mountainous achievements in the game, he is still hungry to win more titles.