Very rarely do legends like Novak Djokovic keep pushing this far. Sure, Roger Federer retired at 41, but Djokovic’s consistency and deep runs in virtually all Slams this year at 38 is unprecedented. But tennis is hard; it stresses the body and makes recovery even more difficult as you age. So what keeps him going when most people would give up after suffering injuries like shoulder strains, elbow problems, or even an abdominal tear? Let’s hear it from the man himself.

The Serbian star is set to play the ATP 250 event in Athens. But before that, on the eve of his debut at the Hellenic Championship, Djokovic opened up about what really keeps him going. He reflected, “Many thought that after the Olympics, after winning the gold medal, I would have ended my career.” And honestly, many fans expected that outcome too; after all, he finally claimed his first Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games.

But Djokovic went on to explain, “I don’t play tennis just for results. Obviously, results are an important part of my motivation, but I also play because I truly enjoy the competition. I enjoy the process, and what tennis brings to me personally, to my family , but also what I bring to tennis as an active professional player.” Professional tennis gave Djokovic global dominance, wealth, and a legacy that will be remembered for generations. On a personal level, it gave him something even more meaningful.

It gave him a life with purpose and peace. Married to his high-school sweetheart, Jelena, and a father to two children, Stefan and Tara, Novak Djokovic moved to Greece in 2025 to give his family a safer life away from the political unrest back home in Serbia. He further added, ” I know that as long as I play, there will be attention from the tennis world…” He’s right. With over 16M Instagram followers and global partnerships with brands like Lacoste, Head, and Hublot, every injury, comeback, or defeat becomes a headline. 

He added, “There are, therefore, several reasons that push me to continue competing…It’s not just the successes. When you manage to complete your goals with an Olympic gold medal, yes, it’s a little strange to return to tournaments and start all over again. At the same time, it’s also a source of inspiration, because you feel like you still have the motivation and hunger to achieve more.” Statistically, being 38 is still ranked No. 5 in the world after just 12 tournaments is a big thing in of itself. Even now, he isn’t ready to hang up his racket. Because he has one more goal in mind.

Novak Djokovic is going after his 25th Grand Slam and fighting to stay ahead of young stars like Alcaraz and Sinner. He’s also working to change the game through the PTPA, that he helped start. Not to forget, the Serb is still aiming to make it to one last Olympic Games in 2028. But after his recent injury, one big question remains. Will Djokovic’s season conclude after Athens, or will he compete in the 2025 ATP Finals in Turin?

2025 became Novak Djokovic’s toughest test yet

Novak Djokovic has been put to the ultimate test this year. Despite everything that the year has thrown at him, including doubt, fatigue, and injuries, he is still standing. The doubts began all the way in January when Djokovic retired mid-match in his semifinal against Alexander Zverev. Then came the semifinal defeats to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open – defeats where the Serb looked outpaced and outclassed, as he failed to take a single set off the two in all three matches.

Then, Djokovic fought through pain at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. In the third round, he struggled with a leg and ankle issue, took medical time-outs, and fought through suffocating humidity. Still, with Alcaraz out and Sinner exiting early, many predicted the stage was set for a record fifth title at Shanghai. But by the semi-final, his movement was restricted by a left-hip problem, and he eventually fell to Valentin Vacherot.

Things got worse at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, where a flare-up in his leg forced him to retire mid-match against Taylor Fritz. The injury sidelined him from the Paris Masters and sparked fears that his season might be over. But Djokovic isn’t one to bow out quietly.  Angelo Binaghi, head of the Italian Tennis Federation, confirmed that Djokovic will compete at the ATP Finals in Turin starting November 10, though there’s been no official word from the Serb’s camp.

An 18th appearance in Turin would also tie Roger Federer’s record. He hasn’t lost in Turin since 2022 and is still vying for his eighth championship. He’s back in action this week, taking on Alejandro Tabilo at the ATP 250 in Athens to hone his skills. These days, every game is a statement rather than merely a warm-up. Time may not be on Novak Djokovic’s side but still, he persists.