• Djokovic advances at Australian Open.
• No retirement yet; focused on Grand Slams.
• Family first, Djokovic keeps options open.

Novak Djokovic continued his remarkable performance at the Australian Open 2024 by defeating Adrian Mannarino in straight sets, securing a spot in the quarter-finals. However, as the Serbian tennis maestro approaches his 37th birthday in May, speculations about the timing of his retirement have been circulating.

Despite turning 37, Djokovic has shown no signs of decline, expressing his desire to achieve a “Golden Slam” this year after clinching three major titles in 2023. Addressing the retirement rumors, Djokovic confirmed that he plans to continue playing until he feels he is no longer a top contender.

“I actually talked about it a few times in the last year or so, that I feel while being No. 1 and still on top of the game, I don’t feel like leaving tennis in that position. I want to keep on going,” Djokovic stated after his victory over Mannarino.

The 36-year-old acknowledged the unpredictable nature of life and the potential for changes, both on and off the court. “When I feel that I am not able to compete at the highest level with the guys and be a contender for a Grand Slam title, then I’ll probably consider going into retirement,” he added.

Djokovic emphasized the dynamic nature of his situation, recognizing the responsibilities of being a father and a husband. “But that can change, obviously. I mean, a lot of things can change. I’m not a teenager anymore. I’m a father and a husband. A lot of things happening in the private life off-court that I enjoy, that require my attention, my presence, my energy.”

As Djokovic gears up for the quarter-finals against 12th seed Taylor Fritz, who secured a decisive victory over last year’s finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, the tennis world eagerly awaits to see how far the Serbian champion’s illustrious career will extend.

In the wake of Djokovic’s candid remarks about retirement, fans and analysts will be closely monitoring his performance and future decisions, recognizing that the tennis icon remains committed to leaving the sport only when he feels he can no longer compete at the highest level.

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