In a recent interview, Novak Djokovic has opened up about his feelings of “sadness” regarding the competitive situation with his longtime rival, Roger Federer, and made a new statement addressing his own potential retirement from tennis. Djokovic, who has been at the pinnacle of the sport for over a decade alongside Federer and Rafael Nadal, reflected on the shifting dynamics of the “Big Three” era and the impact of Federer’s absence from the tour since his retirement.

Djokovic expressed a deep sense of respect and admiration for Federer, admitting that the Swiss legend’s absence is still felt both on and off the court. “It’s a bit sad to not see Roger out there competing anymore,” Djokovic said. “We’ve shared so many great moments together. Our rivalry pushed us both to our limits, and it’s strange not having him around.”

Federer officially retired in 2022 after an illustrious career, leaving Djokovic and Nadal as the remaining pillars of their era. Djokovic acknowledged how much he misses their legendary battles, which captivated the tennis world for years. Despite his own continued dominance, Djokovic couldn’t help but express a sense of nostalgia and melancholy over the end of an iconic chapter in tennis history.

On the subject of his own retirement, Djokovic made it clear that while he is still fully committed to competing at the highest level, the end of his career is something he is beginning to think about more frequently. “I’m not planning to retire anytime soon, but I can’t deny that it’s on my mind,” Djokovic revealed. “I’ve accomplished so much, but there are still goals I want to achieve. When the time comes, I want to step away feeling that I gave everything.”

Djokovic’s comments signal that, while he remains driven and competitive, he is increasingly aware of the realities of time and the inevitable conclusion of his career. However, for now, the Serbian star seems focused on continuing his pursuit of more Grand Slam titles, staying at the top of the sport for as long as his body allows.

Fans of Djokovic will be relieved that no immediate retirement is on the horizon, but his reflections on Federer’s absence and his own eventual departure offer a glimpse into the emotional side of a career defined by unprecedented success. As the tennis world braces for the eventual end of an era, Djokovic’s latest statements remind everyone of the fleeting nature of greatness, even for a player who still reigns supreme.