Inspired by LeBron and Brady, Djokovic aims to compete beyond 40
Novak Djokovic has revealed plans to extend his professional tennis career into his 40s, drawing inspiration from athletes like LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady. Speaking at the Joy Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he emphasized that longevity is a driving force behind his ambition.
Inspiration from Sports Legends
Djokovic, aged 38, believes that athletes such as James and Ronaldo, who are both 40, demonstrate remarkable endurance. He highlighted Brady’s impressive run in the NFL, where he played until the age of 45. “Longevity is one of my biggest motivations. I really want to see how far I can go,” Djokovic stated.
Current Challenges and Future Goals
- Djokovic has not won a Grand Slam title in two years.
- Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have recently surpassed him in the rankings.
- Djokovic is focused on winning his 25th major title.
Despite controversial performances in recent Grand Slams, where he faced early exits, Djokovic remains optimistic about his future. He recently hinted that he plans to compete in all four Grand Slams in 2026, which could extend his career into 2027.
Previous comments expressed doubt about his capability to compete with younger players like Alcaraz and Sinner. However, his latest statements reflect a renewed determination to keep playing.
Advocacy for Tennis Improvement
Alongside his on-court ambitions, Djokovic has co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) in 2020. The organization aims to advocate for better revenue distribution within the sport.
- PTPA is pushing for changes in revenue sharing with Grand Slam tournaments.
- The organization has initiated lawsuits against tennis governing bodies to promote reform.
Djokovic expressed excitement about the potential transformation in tennis and hopes to be at the forefront of that change. “I want to also live to see what is coming for our sport,” he remarked.
As he looks ahead, Djokovic’s ambition to compete beyond 40 reflects not just a personal goal but an aspiration to reshape the sport for future generations.
