Novak Djokovic Commits to Playing Beyond 40 and Leading Change in Tennis
Novak Djokovic, the renowned Serbian tennis player, affirmed his commitment to continuing his career beyond the age of 40. He is inspired by athletes from other sports who have maintained peak performance into their later years. Speaking at the Joy Forum in Riyadh, Djokovic highlighted his aspiration to reshape tennis and promote longevity in the sport.
Longevity and Inspiration from Other Sports
During the conference, Djokovic stated, “Longevity is one of my biggest motivations.” He referenced notable athletes like LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady, who have defied age to excel in their sports. This inspiration drives Djokovic to explore how long he can continue competing at the highest level.
- LeBron James: Currently 40 years old, still performing at an elite level.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Acknowledged for his impressive longevity in football.
- Tom Brady: Retired after playing successfully into his 40s.
Transformation in Tennis
Djokovic emphasized the potential for significant changes in tennis over the next few years. He aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, working to rejuvenate the sport and establish a sustainable foundation for future generations.
Efforts for Revenue Sharing
Djokovic is also actively engaged in advocating for tennis players’ rights. The Professional Tennis Players Association, which he co-founded, has initiated legal actions against tennis governing bodies this year. This movement seeks to enhance revenue sharing from Grand Slam tournaments.
Six Kings Slam Exhibition Tournament
Djokovic made these statements while participating in the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia. He and fellow six-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz received byes to the semi-finals of the event.
The tournament features an impressive prize pool of $4.5 million, with players possibly receiving seven-figure sums for their participation. The eventual champion could secure up to $6 million in winnings.
In the semi-finals, Djokovic faced a setback against the defending champion Jannik Sinner, losing with a score of 6-4, 6-2. Sinner, age 24, will compete against Alcaraz in a repeat of last year’s final after the world number one defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-2.
