Novak Djokovic has finally addressed speculation surrounding his retirement ahead of the ATP Finals. The season-ending tournament is set to take place from November 9 to November 16 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin.

The Serb is among the oldest active players on the professional tennis circuit, yet he has continued to deliver strong performances this season. Djokovic claimed his 100th ATP title with a victory at the Geneva Open and reached the semifinals at most of the year’s Grand Slam tournaments. However, he has fallen short of advancing to the finals, often coming up against top-ranked opponents.

Amid his continued participation across tournaments, speculation about his retirement has persisted throughout the year. However, Djokovic recently addressed his future directly, putting an end to the rumors after losing patience with the relentless speculation.

“Many thought that after the Olympic Games, after winning gold, I would end my career. But I don’t play tennis just for achievements. Of course, they’re a big part of my motivation, but I also play tennis because I really enjoy competing. I enjoy the process and everything that tennis brings to me: to me personally, to my family, but also what I bring to tennis as long as I remain an active professional,” said Novak Djokovic.

“Yes, I’ve thought about it more than once, that’s for sure. But I refuse to talk about it. I simply want to enjoy moments like today on the court. Like Stan Wawrinka, I say: ‘Leave me alone. Let me play and have fun.’ There is no countdown. Of course, the idea has crossed my mind, but I play at my own pace, when I want to, not when others think I should stop,” he said.

Djokovic is currently competing at the Hellenic Championships and is set to face Nuno Borges in his next match on November 6.

Novak Djokovic reveals his plans for the remainder of the season after mid-match retirement from the Six Kings Slam

Novak Djokovic lost the opening set to Taylor Fritz before retiring mid-match from the third-place playoff at the Six Kings Slam. Shortly afterward, he apologized to fans for his withdrawal, explaining that he intended to rest and recover before competing in the final tournaments of the season.

“Not great. I want to apologize to everybody. Sorry guys. Sorry you couldn’t see the second set… Well now it’s rest and really addressing some of the issues I have with my body. And then hopefully playing the last couple of tournaments of the season, let’s see,” said Novak Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic captured his most recent Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open. He later added another historic milestone by winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, thereby completing the Career Golden Slam.