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NOVAK DJOKOVIC LOOKS AHEAD, DETERMINED TO KEEP DOMINATING TENNIS WORLD

Novak Djokovic, 38, vows not to retire, driven by longevity and a desire to shape tennis's future. Inspired by athletes like LeBron and Ronaldo, he aims to compete through the sport's coming evolution.

Novak Djokovic looks ahead, determined to keep dominating tennis world
Creator: China News Service | Credit: China News Service via Getty Images

Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic in the semi-final of the Six Kings Slam. In barely over an hour, the veteran lost six games, 6-4, 6-2. The veteran stated before the game that, at 38, his drive to continue pushing limits is still as strong as ever.

Driven by a deep curiosity in his boundaries and the development of his favourite sport, Novak continues to defy time and expectations even after winning everything our sport has to offer.

The Belgrade native sees traits of his discipline and hunger in other sports greats who have defied age, such as Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

His will to stay at the top is strengthened by their examples, despite the rise and dominance of a new generation of men's tennis players led by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. 

The future of tennis, including the new technologies, formats, and players that will change the game in the years to come, is what most fascinates the 24-time Major winner. 

Instead of stepping away, Novak wants to be a part of that change, contributing to its future thrilling chapters as well as competing. Longevity is no longer about records and medals for Djokovic.

It is all about passion, curiosity, and the unwavering will to be present when the sport he helped create makes its next significant advancement. The legend is still in the top five at 38, staying close to the top.

He became the third player in the Open Era to win 100 ATP titles in Geneva, competed for a Masters 1000 title in Miami, and advanced to all four major semi-finals this season.

"One of my main sources of motivation is longevity. I want to test my limits. I understand that it inspires and motivates me to see legendary athletes from other sports, like LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady, play past age 40 or beyond.

I am really excited about the improvements that are coming to our sport, so I also want to see them. In my opinion, tennis will change significantly over the next few years.

When that occurs, I want to be participating and help shape the new foundation for the sport. Novak Djokovic stated, "I know some people want me to retire soon, but that is not going to happen."

NOVAK DJOKOVIC LANDS IN ATHENS AFTER HISTORIC AUSTRALIAN OPEN RUNNER-UP FINISH

After a historic loss to Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic returns to his family in Athens to reset for the 2026 tennis season.

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Novak Djokovic loses first-ever Australian Open final to unstoppable Carlos Alcaraz

After losing his first Australian Open final to Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic just wanted to see his family.

Djokovic landed in Athens on Tuesday, wrapping up two weeks away from home and marking his 38th appearance in a major final.

For the first time ever, Novak walked away from Rod Laver Arena with the runner-up trophy. At 36, he became the oldest finalist in Australian Open history, but Alcaraz stopped him in four sets: 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. The match lasted just over three hours.

This was Djokovic's first tournament in more than two months, and even so, he showed why people call him a legend. He cruised through the first three rounds and reached the last 16 without much fuss.

In the fourth round, Jakub Mensik had to pull out with an abdominal injury, so Novak got a walkover and saved some energy for the big matches ahead. But things nearly fell apart a few days later. Lorenzo Musetti took the first two sets in their quarterfinal, and for a moment, Djokovic looked like he might be headed home early. Then, out of nowhere, Musetti retired in the third set, and suddenly Novak was through to his 13th Australian Open semi-final.

Next up was Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending champ. Djokovic had to dig deep. Twice he came back from a set down and eventually won 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 after more than four hours on court. He fought off 16 out of 18 break points and weathered over 70 winners from Sinner, proving that belief really does go a long way. At 36, he marched into his 38th major final.

Djokovic left everything on court against Alcaraz. He started strong, but the Spaniard found his rhythm and took control in the second and third sets, racking up five breaks. In the fourth, Novak saved six break points early on and kept pace, even earning a break chance at 4-all. Then he missed a forehand he’d usually make, and just like that, his shot at a fifth set slipped away.

Alcaraz broke late in the set and sealed the win, handing Djokovic his first-ever loss in an Australian Open final. Now, Novak’s taking some time off to be with his family. He’s expected back on court soon, probably in Doha, but right now, only he knows how his schedule will look.

WHO IS SAMUEL LOPEZ? MEET THE COACH BEHIND CARLOS ALCARAZ’S 2026 AUSTRALIAN OPEN GLORY

Discover the touching moment Carlos Alcaraz saw coach Samuel Lopez receive a trophy after his Australian Open victory.

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Samuel Lopez is the perfect strategic fit for Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz just pulled off something huge—he beat Novak Djokovic in four sets (2:6, 6:2, 6:3, 7:5) to win the Australian Open. With this win, he joins the legends of the Open era, becoming one of the rare players to snag at least one title at all four Grand Slams.

Here’s the wild part: Alcaraz is just 22. Actually, he turns 23 on May 5, so he’s still got plenty of time. This marks his seventh Grand Slam title already. For a bit of perspective, Djokovic had only one Grand Slam trophy at Alcaraz’s age.

Since he’d never won the Australian Open before, Alcaraz didn’t really know the drill for the trophy ceremony. His coach, Samuel Lopez, got a trophy too, which caught Carlos off guard—in a good way. Their partnership has clearly paid off.

Talking to the media, Alcaraz said he loved that coaches get recognised with their own trophy. He hadn’t seen that before and thought it was a fantastic idea, since a champion’s journey isn’t a solo effort. Watching Samuel Lopez get his moment meant a lot to him. “It’s wonderful, and when I saw him there, I was so happy because I know Samuel has been working toward this moment his whole life. For me, he’s one of the best coaches—if not the best—you can have on a tennis court today. For me, it was a magical and incredibly special moment: hugging him after the last point and also seeing him there, with everyone recognising what he deserves,” Alcaraz said.

Not everyone was convinced after Alcaraz split with long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and started working with Lopez. Some experts doubted whether he could keep dominating the tour this year. But after Melbourne, it looks like Alcaraz isn’t going anywhere. Even without Ferrero, he’s still leading the pack.

With three more Grand Slams coming up this season, it’s shaping up to be a wild ride. You get the feeling that we’ll be watching Alcaraz and Sinner battling for the biggest prizes all year long.

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