Novak Djoku says he has no intention of retiring from tennis anytime soon and hopes he can follow in the footsteps of American football star Tom Brady by continuing his career well into his 40s, Djokovic, 36, said on Tuesday..
Brady, a three-time Super Bowl champion, played in the NFL for 23 seasons and won seven titles with New England (2003-07) and Tampa Bay (2007-08) before retiring at 45 last year.
Novak Djokovic said he has learned a lot from Tom Brady as he prepares to open his 22nd full season as a professional tennis player on Wednesday with an exhibition match against Saudi Arabia’s Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, called Brady “a champion in his sport” and “someone who has had such a long and successful career.”
“He’s put a lot of time and effort into his self-care, his recovery, making sure that every part of his body and his mind is covered,” Djokovic said in the Saudi capital on Tuesday.
I’ve known him for a long time and he’s taught me a lot from his example. I hope to have a career in the 40s or even beyond – we’ll see,” Brady said.
Djokovic and Brady were in the stands together at the French Open in June, when the Serb won his third Grand Slam trophy in as many years, following his Australian Open and US Open crowns.
“I feel really good about my body and I’ve been playing really well,” said Djokovic.
2023 has been one of the greatest years of my life, and why quit while you’re ahead, right? So, I’m going to take it one year at a time and see where it takes me.
Alcaraz stunned the Serb in a 5-setter to claim the second Grand Slam of the season at Wimbledon, with Djokovic welcoming the Spaniard’s development, particularly with Federer’s retirement and Nadal entering his final campaign.