Novak Djokovic admits Rafael Nadal announcing plans to retire in 2024 made him think about his own retirement.
Nadal, who is turning 37 on June 3rd, recently revealed his plans to retire from pro tennis next year.
Djokovic, who turned 36 on May 22nd, won the Australian Open earlier this year and he is still looking like a very strong force in the game.
“It made me wonder, it made me think about my career and how long I’m going to play. So far I’m not going to make any announcement today, but just reflecting on it, I also felt a little bit emotional about what he was saying,” Djokovic said, via The West Australian.
Djokovic on Nadal missing the French Open
During his pre-tournament press conference, Djokovic was asked about Nadal missing the French Open for the first time since debuting at the tournament in 2005.
Nadal is a record 14-time French Open champion and he has beaten Djokovic nine times at Roland Garros.
Djokovic jokingly admitted that he is not really sad over not seeing Nadal in the French Open main draw.
“Honestly, I don’t miss him being in the draw. I don’t like seeing him in the draw of Roland Garros. I have had not so much success against him in our head-to-head record in Roland Garros. I’ve managed to beat him twice, but I had to leave my heart and my guts out on the court to achieve that. A lot of people retired him already 10 years ago but he kept going, which is something I respect and admire. I know how hard it is to maintain that level and keep going even after having a tough injury,” Djokovic said.
This fortnight, Djokovic is aiming to win his third French Open title and set a new all-time Grand Slam record with 23 Major titles.