“I could leave tomorrow” – Novak Djokovic candidly responds to retirement question

Novak Djokovic has revealed he could walk away from tennis at any moment, though he was keen to add he doesn’t see that happening any time soon.

The Serb has had a mixed year on the ATP Tour, winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon but battling injury and struggling to hold off Rafael Nadal in the race to be year-end world number one.

Speaking at the Paris Masters, where he’s looking to go one better than his runner-up spot last season, Djokovic was candid when asked about potential retirement plans. “I have no obligation to play,” he told French TV programme Do Not Touch My TV. “I could leave tomorrow if I wanted, since I am the father of two wonderful children and one is already five years old and starts school… I would like to spend more of my time being with them.”

However, he’s given few signs to indicate that could happen any time soon, saying: “I’m happy to keep playing. I’m still motivated and inspired to play this beautiful sport.”

Djokovic will lose his world number one spot to Nadal on November 4, regardless of what happens in Paris, but he isn’t throwing in the towel just yet. “Of course I am in the race for number one with Rafa,” he said. “He’s in a much better position, but I hope I can do well in this tournament.

“I cannot really focus really too much on what he is doing, or other players. I’ll try to kind of get the most out of my performances and see where it takes me.”

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