Novak Djokovic, one of the most successful and celebrated tennis players in history, has once again reaffirmed his plans for the final chapter of his illustrious career. With a record 23 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic has spent over a decade at the pinnacle of the sport, dominating the court and shattering numerous records. As he enters his late 30s, many have speculated about when and how the Serbian legend will choose to hang up his racket. However, Djokovic has made it clear that his journey is far from over, and he still has unfinished business in the world of tennis.

In a recent interview, Djokovic spoke candidly about his plans for the future, offering insights into how he envisions the twilight years of his career. While he acknowledges that he is closer to the end than the beginning, Djokovic remains fiercely competitive and motivated, with several goals still in sight. His determination to continue competing at the highest level is a testament to his enduring passion for the sport, as well as his relentless pursuit of excellence.

One of Djokovic’s primary motivations as he approaches the final phase of his career is his desire to win more Grand Slam titles. Despite already holding the record for the most men’s singles Grand Slam victories, Djokovic has repeatedly expressed his hunger to add more trophies to his collection. In particular, he has set his sights on further solidifying his place in tennis history by extending his lead over rivals like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

At 37, Djokovic has shown few signs of slowing down. His victories at the 2023 Australian Open and French Open demonstrated that he is still capable of producing world-class tennis, even against younger opponents. Djokovic’s physical fitness, mental fortitude, and strategic acumen have allowed him to stay competitive in a sport where the average career peak is much younger. His dedication to maintaining his body and mind in top condition has given him the confidence to continue playing at the highest level for several more years.

In interviews, Djokovic has reiterated that as long as he feels physically and mentally prepared to compete, he will continue to chase Grand Slam titles. He believes that his best performances are still ahead of him and that he can continue to dominate the sport, even as new generations of players emerge.

Another key goal for Djokovic in the final chapter of his career is the elusive Calendar Grand Slam. Winning all four major tournaments—Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open—in a single calendar year is one of the rarest and most prestigious achievements in tennis. Only two male players in the Open Era, Rod Laver and Don Budge, have ever accomplished this feat. Djokovic came tantalizingly close in 2021, winning the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, only to fall short in the US Open final.

Despite the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the Calendar Grand Slam, Djokovic has not given up on his dream of achieving this remarkable feat. In fact, it has only fueled his determination to try again. He has spoken openly about how the Calendar Grand Slam remains one of his ultimate ambitions and how he will continue to push himself to make it a reality.

Djokovic’s ability to excel on all surfaces—hard court, clay, and grass—gives him a unique advantage in this pursuit. Few players in history have demonstrated the same level of versatility across different playing conditions. As long as he remains healthy and focused, Djokovic is confident that he can make another run at the Calendar Grand Slam before the end of his career.

While Djokovic’s hunger for more titles remains strong, he has also emphasized the importance of leaving behind a legacy that transcends just his achievements on the court. Throughout his career, Djokovic has been vocal about using his platform to inspire younger generations of athletes and to give back to the global tennis community. He has expressed a desire to contribute to the development of the sport and to ensure that tennis remains accessible to people from all walks of life.

One of the ways Djokovic plans to achieve this is through his foundation, the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which focuses on early childhood education and helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their full potential. Djokovic has often stated that his off-court work is just as important to him as his success in tennis, and he hopes that his foundation will continue to make a positive impact long after he retires from professional competition.

Additionally, Djokovic has taken on a leadership role in the tennis world, advocating for the rights and well-being of players. His involvement in the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), an organization he co-founded, demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that players of all rankings and backgrounds have a voice in shaping the future of the sport. As he nears the end of his playing career, Djokovic intends to remain involved in tennis governance, helping to address issues related to player welfare, scheduling, and prize money distribution.

One of the defining aspects of Djokovic’s career has been his intense rivalries with fellow tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The so-called “Big Three” have dominated men’s tennis for over a decade, with each player pushing the other to reach new heights. Djokovic has often credited his rivalries with Federer and Nadal as one of the main factors that fueled his drive to improve and succeed.

As Djokovic looks to the final chapter of his career, he has taken time to reflect on the significance of these rivalries and the mutual respect that exists between him and his competitors. While the competition on the court has been fierce, Djokovic has expressed deep admiration for both Federer and Nadal, acknowledging that their presence elevated the level of men’s tennis and created some of the most memorable moments in the sport’s history.

With Federer already retired and Nadal nearing the end of his career, Djokovic has become the last of the Big Three still actively competing at the highest level. As he prepares for his own eventual retirement, Djokovic has hinted that he would like to see younger players step up and continue the legacy of excellence that the Big Three established.

Despite his continued success, Djokovic has been realistic about the fact that retirement is approaching. While he has not set a definitive date for when he will step away from the sport, Djokovic has indicated that he will know when the time is right. He has said that his decision to retire will be based on both his physical condition and his ability to continue performing at a high level.

Djokovic has also emphasized that his family will play a significant role in his decision. As a father of two, Djokovic has spoken about the importance of spending more time with his family and being present for his children’s milestones. Balancing his professional career with his personal life has become increasingly important to Djokovic, and he has suggested that once he feels he has accomplished everything he set out to achieve in tennis, he will step away from the game to focus on his family.

However, Djokovic has made it clear that he is not ready to retire just yet. His passion for the sport and his desire to compete remain as strong as ever, and he continues to enjoy the process of training, preparing, and playing at the highest level. For Djokovic, the final chapter of his career is still being written, and he intends to make the most of every opportunity to leave his mark on the sport.

Novak Djokovic’s reaffirmation of his plans for the final chapter of his career offers a glimpse into the mindset of one of tennis’s greatest champions. While the end of his playing days may be on the horizon, Djokovic remains focused on winning more Grand Slam titles, achieving the Calendar Grand Slam, and leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond the court.

As he continues to compete at an elite level, Djokovic’s determination, physical fitness, and mental toughness will undoubtedly allow him to remain a dominant force in the sport for several more years. Whether he ultimately retires with 23, 25, or even more Grand Slam titles, Djokovic’s impact on tennis is already cemented, and his final chapter promises to be just as thrilling as the rest of his remarkable career.