Former ATP ace would not retire if he were Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is preparing to play another season on the professional tour and his main goal has not changed.

The former world No.1 wants to become the oldest player ever to lift a Grand Slam trophy and – although he is perfectly aware that it will not be easy to achieve this feat – he still has the right motivation to try to make tennis history.

The Serbian legend has put in good performances in 2025 and it is no coincidence that he has won two titles, respectively in Geneva and Athens, as well as being very consistent in Grand Slam tournaments (where he has always reached the semifinals).

If it weren't for Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz – who have taken control of the men's tour – Nole would still have a good chance of winning a Major, as long as his body doesn't betray him as it has done several times in the last two seasons.

The 38-year-old from Belgrade has just begun the second part of his preparation in Dubai and it is already known that his first tournament in 2026 will be the Adelaide ATP 250, scheduled from 12 to 17 January. His main goal in the first part of the new year is the Australian Open, a tournament with which he has always had a special feeling having lifted the trophy on ten occasions.

During a recent interview with 'Tennis365', former Cypriot ace Marcos Baghdatis expressed his sincere view on Novak's current status: "As the years go by, Djokovic's chances get smaller and smaller, but we must not forget that he is still in the Top 5 of the ATP rankings and is dangerous for everyone when he feels good."

He also added: "I don't know how long Nole will continue to play, it's a choice that depends only on him. If I played at that level at his age I wouldn't retire either, but there are so many factors that are influential. The Serbian champion is aware that it will become more and more complicated."