Novak Djokovic being pressured into tennis retirement ahead of Australian Open
WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Novak Djokovic prepares for Australian Open
Novak Djokovic has revealed his father is putting pressure on him to retire from tennis as the 2025 Australian Open rapidly approaches.
The Serb, who failed to win a major in 2024, will be hoping to secure glory Down Under - having previously done so on 10 occasions over the years.
Djokovic remains one of the best players in the world, even if Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominated the Grand Slams last year.
He remains confident in his own ability, with the veteran aware that one more Grand Slam triumph would move him ahead of Margaret Court in the history books.
Novak Djokovic has revealed his father is putting pressure on him to retire from tennis as the 2025 Australian Open rapidly approaches
REUTERS
Tennis fans were gutted when Roger Federer walked away from the sport in 2022, while Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have also hung up their rackets.
And Djokovic has now revealed that his father, Srdjan, has been putting pressure on him to follow suit.
He told GQ Magazine: "My dad is trying to retire me for a while now ... He is like, 'What else do you want to do?'
"He understands the amount and the intensity of the pressure and tension that is out there, and the stress that has an effect on my health, my body, and then, consequently, on everyone else who is around me, including him.
JUST IN: Luke Littler leaves the UK after earning £500,000 following epic World Darts Championship win
"So that is why he was like, 'My son, start to think about how you want to end this'."
Djokovic isn't interested in retiring just yet, however.
He continued: "I do think about more how than when.
"When I am not thinking about it as of yet so intensely. How, how I would like to end it?
READ MORE: Coleen Rooney slams 'not fair' backlash after having windows smashed because of Wayne - 'Tough'
"I feel if I start to lose more and feel like there is a bigger gap, that I start to have more challenges in overcoming those big obstacles in big slams, then I will probably call it a day.
"But right now I am still OK, keep continuing."
Djokovic has little left to prove in tennis.
He has won more majors than any other male player in history, with two more than Nadal and four more than Federer.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Novak Djokovic's father wants the tennis star to retire from the sport
GETTY
But the fire still burns inside and Djokovic will be among the favourites to secure glory in Australia this winter.
Djokovic has brought in Murray as the 37-year-old bids to add to his trophy haul.
Some have suggested there could be friction given their big personalities, while Djokovic has also been known to be high maintenance to work with.
Yet Murray has no fears about the duo potentially clashing, with the Briton saying earlier this week: "Of course I've thought about it. I would think I'd be one of the people that would understand that side of things.
Novak Djokovic is preparing for the Australian Open, with that competition set to commence next week
REUTERS
"I know it's not easy out there. It's stressful and at times he's going to vent towards his team and his box.
"Providing he's giving his best effort and trying as hard as he can, I'm absolutely fine with him expressing himself how he wants."
You may like
