Novak Djokovic had a blunt message for those pushing the narrative that it’s time for him to walk away from pro tennis as the Serb says he won’t be doing so anytime soon although he believes there are many out there who would like to see that happen.

At this year’s Paris Olympics, a couple of big tennis names are set to retire as two multiple Grand Slam champions – Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber – have confirmed that this will be their final tournament. On the other side, this may as well be Rafael Nadal’s last tournament as the 38-year-old Spaniard has already shared that he will make a decision on his next step after the Olympics.

If Murray and Nadal both retire – and Roger Federer is already retired – that would lead 37-year-old Djokovic as the only Big Four member left in pro tennis.

“I don’t have the retirement clause in my mind to be honest even though I know a lot of people would love me to retire so that this era is done. But I think as long as one of us is left in the competition, I think the era is still going,” Djokovic said in Paris.

Novak Djokovic© Getty Images Sport – Lintao Zhang

Even though Djokovic is regarded among the favorites for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, it doesn’t change the fact that it has been a rough season for the Serb who hasn’t yet won a title this year. While Djokovic is the first to acknowledge the quality of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, he also doesn’t think that he is done yet.

“Of course, there’s this change of generation and you have Alcaraz and Sinner currently that are two best players in the world, deservedly. They are playing on a very high level, particularly this year. They’re very young, they’re going to carry this sport in the future,” Djokovic explained.

“But I’ve been present for the shift or change of many generations in the last 15 years and I like to see that. Of course, the end is near than the beginning for me personally as well but I still enjoy competition and will keep going until I don’t enjoy it anymore.”

Djokovic on Murray’s farewell and Nadal also possibly retiring

After arriving in Paris earlier this week, three-time Grand Slam champion Murray officially confirmed that he would be a former player after the Olympics. But then, Murray’s farewell got ruined a bit after he was forced to withdraw from the singles event because he still didn’t feel fully ready after his recent back surgery. However, he is at least fit enough to play in the doubles competition with Daniel Evans.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray© Getty Images Sport – Mike Hewitt

Meanwhile, Nadal is set to play in singles and also team up with Carlos Alcaraz in doubles.

“I heard the news about Andy and I hope that he will have the best possible farewell in his last competitive match here in Olympics for him and his country. He is a legend of our sport, he’s been an incredibly important player for tennis globally,” Djokovic said.

“Nadal of course the same, even more, all the results and achievements he has had, particularly in this city in Roland Garros. Nadal still didn’t say when his last tournament will be so hopefully, for the sake of the sport, he can keep going.”

Djokovic on the prospect of facing Nadal in the second round

If Djokovic beats Matthew Ebden in his opening match and Nadal also ends on the winning side against Marton Fucsovics, they will face each other in the second round. And while Nadal is far from his old level, Djokovic believes it would still be a very entertaining matchup.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal© Getty Images Sport – Darrian Traynor

“Obviously he hasn’t played much. His ranking dropped, so there’s always going to be that possibility of me meeting him in an early round and there we go. It’s going to be a spectacle, definitely, if we get to meet,” Djokovic said of the prospect of facing Nadal.

“[We will] spread some fireworks on the court, like the good old times. I hope we get to meet because it will probably be one last dance for the both of us.”

If Djokovic and Nadal meet in Paris, it will mark their 60th meeting on the main level. Also, it would see the two players facing for the first time since the 2022 French Open – when Nadal beat Djokovic in the quarterfinal en route to winning his 14th title at Roland Garros.

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Source: Tampa Bay Times