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Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has spent over two decades on the ATP Tour, thrilling fans with his relentless work ethic, extraordinary athleticism, and legendary matches. As of 2025, the Serbian superstar continues to hold his place among the sport’s elite, constantly breaking records and earning new titles. But despite his incredible achievements, Djokovic recently revealed a very personal and “strange” reason why he hasn’t yet decided to retire, despite considering it many times.

In a candid interview, Djokovic admitted that he has often contemplated retirement and that, at times, the decision feels incredibly difficult. While many players consider stepping away from the game as they age, especially after reaching such high levels of success, Djokovic’s reasoning stands out as somewhat unconventional. His admission has raised eyebrows, not just because of the vulnerability behind the statement, but because it offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a player who is still at the very top of his game.

### The Reluctance to Walk Away

Throughout his illustrious career, Novak Djokovic has achieved it all. From multiple Grand Slam titles to the coveted world number one ranking, his trophy cabinet is a testament to his dominance in tennis. But even with so much success, Djokovic has repeatedly said that there are times when he feels conflicted about continuing to compete. Retirement, a topic that most athletes must eventually face, looms over every player’s career at some point, and for Djokovic, it is no different.

In a recent interview, Djokovic explained his ambivalence about retirement. He revealed that while he enjoys playing at the highest level and continues to perform well on the court, the thought of stepping away from the sport crosses his mind frequently. However, what makes his situation unique is his admission that he feels a sense of “embarrassment” that has kept him from retiring, despite the fact that many might expect him to do so given his age and the incredible heights he has already reached in tennis.

“I even feel embarrassed by the fact that I haven’t retired yet,” Djokovic shared. “There’s this strange feeling within me that makes it hard to walk away, even though part of me knows I’ve already achieved everything I could have possibly hoped for in this sport.”

It’s this internal struggle that has kept Djokovic on the court. While some athletes retire after reaching a particular milestone or after they feel their physical performance starts to decline, Djokovic’s relationship with retirement appears to be a far more emotional and complicated one. His “embarrassment,” as he calls it, stems from a variety of factors, many of which are deeply connected to his identity, legacy, and his love for the game.

### The Weight of Expectations

One of the core reasons Djokovic feels conflicted about retiring is the heavy weight of expectations placed on him by his fans, his peers, and even himself. As one of the three greatest players of the modern era, alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Djokovic is fully aware of the immense legacy he is building in the sport. His rivalry with Federer and Nadal, and his pursuit of Grand Slam titles, has turned him into one of the sport’s most beloved figures, with millions of fans following his every move.

While Djokovic has achieved so much already, including becoming the first male tennis player to win 24 Grand Slam singles titles, he knows that the public view of him is constantly shaped by what he does next. The competitive nature that has fueled his career for over two decades doesn’t just vanish with age. In fact, it’s this same drive that makes him hesitant to step away from the game, even if his body is occasionally telling him to rest.

“I know that my fans want to see me play forever,” Djokovic continued. “I’m sure they would love for me to keep breaking records and setting new ones. But it’s not just about that. It’s also about my own expectations. I’ve never been the type of player to be satisfied with what I’ve done. I’ve always pushed myself to do better.”

This mindset, while one of the key reasons for his success, also serves as a double-edged sword. Djokovic’s pursuit of excellence and his drive to continue competing at the highest level often clash with the practical realities of his body’s limitations and the natural passage of time. Yet, the idea of disappointing his fans, his supporters, and himself is something Djokovic admits makes the thought of retirement feel “strange” and “difficult.”

### The Desire to Leave on His Own Terms

Despite the internal struggles, Djokovic also made it clear that he wants to leave the sport on his own terms. For him, retirement will not come because the sport demands it or because his performance dips below expectations—it will come when he is ready. Djokovic has built a career on controlling his destiny, and he intends to do the same when it comes to his exit from tennis.

“I want to decide when it’s time for me to retire, not because I’m forced to,” he explained. “I’ve always wanted to be in control of my career, and that includes when I walk away. I don’t want to hang around too long and be remembered as someone who stayed too long or didn’t give it his all. I want my retirement to feel like the natural end of a journey, not something that happened because I couldn’t keep up anymore.”

This desire for a graceful exit is something that many athletes share, particularly those who have dominated their respective sports. Djokovic is fully aware of how quickly public perception can change and how players can go from being adored champions to being seen as “past their prime” if they continue playing beyond their peak years. The desire to leave on a high note, to retire when he feels he’s still at the top of his game, is an integral part of Djokovic’s thought process.

### The Mental and Physical Toll of Tennis

Another important factor in Djokovic’s retirement contemplation is the mental and physical toll that a career in professional tennis takes. Although he is still one of the fittest players on the ATP Tour, Djokovic admits that the grind of the sport has worn on him over the years. The travel, the injuries, the constant pressure to perform—all of these factors contribute to the mental and physical exhaustion that comes with being a top athlete.

“I love the game, I love competing, but there are days when it gets overwhelming,” Djokovic said. “The travel, the injuries, the pressure—it’s a lot. At times, I feel like I’ve already given everything I can to this sport. But then, I remind myself of why I started playing in the first place: because I love it. And that’s what keeps me going.”

Despite these challenges, Djokovic continues to push through, driven by his passion for tennis and his relentless pursuit of greatness. He understands that retirement is a natural part of every athlete’s journey, but for now, he remains committed to giving his all to the game.

### The Legacy He’s Building

As Djokovic contemplates his future, one thing remains clear: he is deeply invested in the legacy he is leaving behind. Throughout his career, Djokovic has proven himself to be one of the most resilient and accomplished players in tennis history. His journey has been marked by triumphs, setbacks, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. And while he may feel embarrassed by the fact that he hasn’t yet retired, his continued presence on the tour serves as a testament to his passion for the game and his unwillingness to settle for anything less than perfection.

In the end, Djokovic’s decision to retire will be his own. Whether it happens in the next few years or further down the line, one thing is certain: Novak Djokovic has earned the right to decide when he is done with tennis. His fans will support him no matter when that moment comes, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time will be forever cemented.

For now, though, Djokovic remains focused on the present. And while retirement may be on his mind, it’s clear that the passion that has driven him throughout his career is still very much alive.