What keeps Djokovic motivated on tour beyond just winning matches

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Novak Djokovic explains his career decision after drastic change to ATP schedule

Novak Djokovic is still going strong on the ATP Tour, even with his 39th birthday just around the corner.

Djokovic reached the Australian Open final earlier this year, including a notable win over Jannik Sinner along the way.

Despite having cut back significantly on his playing schedule in recent years, the Serbian remains ranked inside the top five.

He’s only entered two tournaments so far this season and recently spoke about what’s keeping him motivated at this stage of his career.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Novak Djokovic explains what keeps him motivated in tennis

While many of his peers have retired, Novak Djokovic continues to compete in what is a brand-new era of the sport. His playing days have already extended well beyond those of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, with Djokovic still active at an age when both had already called time on their careers.

This year alone, David Goffin, Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka are all set to retire. But there’s still no indication that Djokovic is thinking about stepping away just yet.

Speaking to Esquire, he shared what keeps him motivated to stay on tour: “My motivation to keep playing comes from my love for the game, from competition, and from challenging myself,” said Djokovic.

“It’s about training smarter, listening to my body, and making sure I’m at my best physically and mentally so I can compete at the highest level.”

The 36-year-old also touched on the challenges of balancing his career with family life as his children grow older.

“It’s one of the biggest challenges – finding the right balance between tennis and family life,” he said. “Especially as my children are growing and have school commitments, so they can’t travel with me as much as before.”

The two-time Roland-Garros champion also highlighted how important it is for him to set a good example for his children when they’re watching matches:

Djokovic hasn’t played since Indian Wells, but he could make his return at the Madrid Open later this month.

Djokovic’s thoughts on the Madrid Open

Djokovic has only played the Madrid Open twice in the last six years, but the tournament director is confident the Serbian will play in 2026.

Former professional Feliciano Lopez, who is now the tournament director of the Madrid Open, has discussed Djokovic’s chances of playing the event.

“Novak is keen to come to Madrid; that’s what I have been told. Obviously, we know Novak’s schedule lately is what it is,” he said.

“He has the ability to play very little and still be fighting for the big titles at almost 40 years old. I think he is keen to come to Madrid.

“It’s one of his priorities on the clay court season, obviously after Roland Garros. We must be very respectful of this because Novak plays so infrequently and chooses his tournaments so specifically and precisely. We have to be cautious, but if all goes well, we will have Novak in Madrid too.”

Djokovic has won the Madrid Open three times in his career, but his last came all the way at the 2019 tournament.

Read more:

• Carlos Alcaraz reacts as Jannik Sinner matches Novak Djokovic feat in Monte-Carlo
• Former player who beat Big Three compares Alcaraz to legends
• ATP set to drop event where Djokovic won his 101st title