Novak Djokovic has shared his updated retirement plan after revealing he is battling an ongoing health issue. Following his second-round defeat to Thiago Agustin at the recent Cincinnati Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion said the condition was exacerbated by the heat and humidity in Ohio as he visibly struggled in a 6-2 4-6 4-6 loss to the world number 50.
Health issue and Cincinnati defeat
Djokovic, the world number five and playing his first match since losing to Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals in July, slumped to his hands and knees before taking a medical timeout midway through the second set. The 39-year-old said after the match: "It's just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years."
When asked if he would be returning to Cincinnati next year, the three-time winner said: "I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately. But let's see what the future brings." That statement cast doubt on his plan to play until 2028, by which time he will be 41.
Plans for life after top-level tennis
Djokovic was asked what he plans to do when he finally exits top-level tennis. He told People.com: "I'm not going to truly hang up the racket. I might stop competing at the highest professional level, but I'm going to continue playing tennis because I love tennis. I love tennis for the sake of playing, playing with my children, my brothers, my wife, whoever. I love playing tennis, the sport that has given me so much."
In light of Serena Williams' return to the sport at the age of 44, Djokovic was also asked if he could see himself playing on to a similar age. He said: "It doesn't depend only on the body. I don't want to miss out on different events of close family members. I've lived an incredibly fulfilling, successful professional life. In a sense, you have to be kind of selfish as an individual athlete to be pursuing your career, and everyone else is supportive of you."
Inspiration from Serena Williams
On his respect for the younger Williams sister, he added: "Serena is an inspiration. Serena is epic. I love Serena. I've always been a fan of what she's doing after two children, coming back and attempting to compete at the highest level in Slams. Regardless of what she does, it's already incredibly inspiring. We all should enjoy her presence."
