Novak Djokovic reveals the 'only thing' giving him motivation to extend his career

2025 French Open - Day Thirteen - Source: Getty
The Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic recently opened up about the one thing that is keeping him motivated to continue with tennis. The Serb is currently gearing up for the upcoming tournaments of the 2025 season.

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Djokovic was last seen in action on June 6, where he competed in the semi-final of the French Open against Jannik Sinner. The latter overwhelmed the Serb with a 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(7) victory, advancing to the final of Roland Garros. This loss ended Djokovic's quest to win his 25th Grand Slam title.

Days after this tournament, Djokovic sat for an interview where he revealed the one thing that is keeping him motivated to extend his career. The 38-year-old said it is an honour for him to compete at the Olympics and that he has his eyes set on the upcoming 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

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Highlighting the special points of competing in the Olympics, Djokovic said:

"The only thing that at this moment, professionally speaking, I have in my vision at this point, and it's interesting when we talk about these achievements and the Olympics that stand out and redemption, the only thing that I have in my head which gives me motivation is the Olympics on the 2028 in Los Angeles. And playing for the national team and Grand Slams."
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He added:

"But not even the Grand Slams, not as much as the Olympics. I kind of watch the cycle, somehow, just to be at the Olympics, to be an Olympian. That moment when you wear the coat of arms of your country, when you go to be in the village with the best Olympians, that feeling, that's sport."
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Novak Djokovic talked about not being as loved as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are three of the most prominent personalities in the tennis community. They were considered each other's strongest contenders. However, Djokovic recently reflected on not being as loved as much as Nadal and Federer by the fans.

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In an interview with Failures of Champions, Djokovic said:

"I acted and still felt like an unwanted child. I asked myself why that was. It hurt me. Then I thought the fans would accept me if I acted differently. But that wasn't the case either."

He added:

"I was never as loved as Federer and Nadal because I wasn't supposed to be there. I was the little guy, the third guy who came along and said, 'I'm going to be No. 1.' Many people didn't like that."

Novak Djokovic has won 100 singles titles in his career so far, including 24 Grand Slams. On the other hand, Nadal won 92 singles titles in his career, including 22 Grand Slams, and Federer won 103 ATP singles titles, including 20 Grand Slams.

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Edited by pranavsethii
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