{"id":26120,"date":"2025-02-15T02:58:52","date_gmt":"2025-02-15T02:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=26120"},"modified":"2025-02-15T02:58:52","modified_gmt":"2025-02-15T02:58:52","slug":"i-even-feel-embarrassed-novak-djokovic-reveals-strange-reason-he-hasnt-retired-from-tennis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=26120","title":{"rendered":"\u2018I even feel embarrassed\u2019 \u2013 Novak Djokovic reveals \u2018strange\u2019 reason he hasn\u2019t retired from tennis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Novak Djokovic has given his all to tennis – but it appears that it is very much reciprocated.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Serbian\u00a0is arguably the greatest to ever play the game having banked an incredible 24 Grand Slam titles \u2013 more than any player in history.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Djokovic<\/a><\/p>\n
3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>
Djokovic has broken all records during his 22-year tennis career<\/span>Credit: AFP<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

His success has been shrouded in many highs while his recent retirement through injury in last month\u2019s\u00a0Australian Open\u00a0semi-final can only be categorised as one of his few low points.<\/p>\n

The 37-year-old is currently nursing a hamstring injury as he sets his sights on the French Open in May, but found the time to discuss his love for tennis when speaking to Montenegrin publication Vijesti.<\/p>\n

It’s fair to say that Djokovic is in the twilight of his career having officially kicked off his professional career in 2003, aged just 15.<\/p>\n

And while tennis fans, who are still mourning the retirements of\u00a0Roger Federer,\u00a0Rafael Nadal\u00a0and\u00a0Andy Murray, might be reluctant to think about a time when Djokovic is no longer on the tour, the Serbian explained why he hasn\u2019t yet followed the trio\u2019s lead.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

“Primarily, it\u2019s because of my love for tennis and for sports,\u201d Djokovic revealed. \u201cSecondly, I believe that tennis helps me grow the most as a person \u2013 no matter how strange that may sound.”<\/p>\n

Djokovic admitted that being on court provides him with a feeling that he doesn\u2019t feel anywhere else while going through a rollercoaster of emotions.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the court, during a match, I go through a million emotions \u2013 the best and the worst ones \u2013 doubt, criticism, ecstasy, satisfaction, anger, rage, and everything in between,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes, in those few hours, I even feel embarrassed by what I go through and how I behave, as well as by the thoughts that cross my mind.<\/p>\n

“But in any case, I am proud that I can experience all of this in a human and sporting manner and still shake hands with my opponent, whether I win or lose.<\/p>\n

“I think these are the values that sports promote and the reason why people identify with athletes.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Djokovic<\/a><\/p>\n
3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>
Djokovic hasn’t been afraid to show his emotions on court<\/span>Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n
\"Djokovic<\/a><\/p>\n
3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>
Djokovic will hope Murray can help guide him to further success this year<\/span>Credit: AFP<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cEspecially in an individual sport, where you first have to defeat yourself before you can defeat the opponent across the net.”<\/p>\n

Djokovic admits that inspiring future generations also fuels him to continue playing for as long as possible although he still feels he can continue to fight for titles.<\/p>\n

He remarked: “These are all life lessons I go through, and beyond that, I truly feel that by playing professional tennis, I continue to inspire younger generations to pick up a racket \u2013 not just in our country but around the world.<\/p>\n

“That is what drives me; it truly gives me strength. The privileged position and status I have are things I cherish.<\/p>\n

“I would love for everyone to play tennis, but I would be just as happy if they took up any sport, with or without a ball, because physical activity is essential \u2013 for health and for everything else \u2013 from the youngest age.”<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Djokovic is planning to make his return from injury at next week\u2019s Qatar Open.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/picture><\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n