Novak Djokovic opens up on career future while honouring tennis legend Rafael Nadal

It was a poignant moment that symbolised the approaching end of an era in men’s tennis.

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray honoured friend and rival Rafael Nadal in a surprise, emotional ceremony at the start of this year’s French Open.

The retirement of 14 time French Open winner Nadal means that Djokovic is the last of the Big Four to still play professional tennis.

Not surprisingly, the emotional day put Djokovic in a reflective mood and it’s made him ponder when he will hang up his racquet and ball.

In fact, it’s something he thinks about regularly, which he revealed to media outlets ahead of his first-round match at Roland-Garros against Mackie McDonald of the United States.

“Well, I mean, honestly, I was thinking about my end of the road, as well,” he said.

“I didn’t think about the exact date, if that’s what you’re looking for.”

Only recently, the 38-year-old tennis champion won the 100th title of his career at the Geneva Open on red clay, something which he admits was “definitely much needed for my game and confidence level” coming into the Grand Slam contest.

Nadal, widely regarded as the greatest clay-court player of all time, announced his retirement last season. Federer, now 43, played his final match in 2021, and Murray stepped away following the Paris Olympics last year.

Reflecting on the tribute and the absence of his longtime rivals, Djokovic expressed mixed emotions.

“I was talking to Federer and Murray about their goodbyes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries. And of course, part of me is proud that I’m still there, that I’m still going,” he said.

“But at the same time, I was, and I still am, a bit sad that they’re all gone, because those guys were my greatest motivations of why I competed so intensely and for so long.”

The Serbian tennis great also revealed he became emotional listening to Nadal’s speech, after seeing how his relatives and team members reacted.

“It was a really heartwarming moment. Even though we were the fiercest rivals, it’s that personal touch that is out there when you kind of spill your heart out on the court, as he did yesterday,” he said.

“It’s almost impossible it doesn’t touch you deeply.”

– with AP.