Djokovic’s wife proven right after honest response | Sports News

Novak Djokovic’s wife, Jelena, as soon as informed her husband that he would not have the option to withstand the attract of tennis after he shockingly threatened to retire from the game — a prediction she continues to see come true. Despite his threats, Djokovic persevered and has since change into an simple icon on the planet of sports activities, lately hinting on the risk of taking part in properly into his 40s.

The former world No. 1 — whose former rival made a main prediction concerning the Serb’s end-of-season plans after his “completely absurd” yr — has secured a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam singles titles for males, solidifying his standing as one of the best gamers within the historical past of the game. However, Djokovic hasn’t clinched a Grand Slam title for the reason that 2023 US Open. The Serbian participant turns 39 subsequent yr however made it to the semi-finals in all 4 main tournaments this season.

He has additionally been battling accidents all through 2025, reigniting rumors of potential retirement. Djokovic almost ended his legendary tennis profession seven years in the past earlier than making a outstanding comeback. At that time, Djokovic had solely received half of his main championships, with recurring accidents and mounting frustrations main him to briefly step away from the sport.

In a 2020 dialog, Jelena recalled the emotional period, stating, “He wanted to quit. He gathered all the members of his team and told them, ‘You know what, I’m done, I’m quitting.’ We cried and told him that he couldn’t do it, that it wasn’t the right time.

“He did not wish to play tennis, and he did not even wish to see a ball go in entrance of him.” Djokovic even contacted his sponsors to inform them of his retirement plans, but Jelena reminded him of tennis’s profound significance in his life, prompting his dramatic change of heart.

The convincing influence of Jelena and their children, Stefan and Tara, rekindled his passion to compete once more. “He did not wish to know something about it,” Jelena said. “But I really like tennis and I take the children to the courtroom day by day. On the third day, Novak arrived.

“He saw we were having fun, and it wasn’t the intense training he was accustomed to for years. Novak asked me if he could play and get a racket, but I refused. I started teasing him, saying he had quit and now it was our turn to play tennis. Eventually, he served and felt good, then returned daily until he finally called his coach Marian Vajda to start training again.”

LeBron James and Tom Brady inspiration

His option to proceed competing grew to become one of tennis’s most outstanding revivals. He secured 12 further main championships, attaining an unimaginable and record-matching 24 Grand Slams. Djokovic has now dismissed hypothesis about imminent retirement. The tennis legend delivered a defiant assertion about his future during an look on the Joy Forum in Saudi Arabia earlier than the latest Six Kings Slam.

“Longevity is one of my biggest motivations and I really want to see how far I can go. You see across all the global sports, you know, LeBron James is still going strong,” he mentioned, claiming he wish to play on till he was 40. “Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady played until he was 40. I want to keep going. I also want to live, I mean keep on playing professionally, to see the change that is coming for our sport and I’m super excited about it.”

When pressed about hanging up his racket, Djokovic responded: “It’s not happening. I’m sorry to disappoint them. It’s just not happening.” Rumors are swirling, although, that 2026 might signal the conclusion of his legendary journey. Ex-world No. 1 doubles champion Rennae Stubbs has hinted that Djokovic may resolve to retire following January’s Australian Open.

“I feel like the Australian Open is going to be his last major tournament to play,” she revealed by way of GB News. “I don’t think he wants to keep playing after that and have to go through the French Open. I feel like the Australian Open would be a great way to finish his career. It’s where his Grand Slam titles started.”

The Serbian famous person has despatched conflicting messages about his plans. Following his elimination from this yr’s French Open, he hinted he may by no means compete at Roland Garros again. “This could have been the last match I ever played here, so I don’t know,” he admitted to supporters following his loss to Jannik Sinner. Djokovic lately hinted at his participation in subsequent yr’s Paris Masters, after sitting out this yr’s match.

His remarks point out a want to increase his profession, probably recognizing his deep love for the game that he briefly left in 2018. On X, the Serbian star penned: “Dear Paris, unfortunately I’ll not compete at this year’s @RolexPMasters. I have amazing memories and great success over the years, especially being able to conquer the title seven times. Hope to see you next year. Merci.”