Novak Djokovic has praised Andy Murray, calling him a “legend” of tennis, while affirming that he has no intention of retiring as he gears up for the Paris Olympics.
Scottish tennis star, Murray, recently announced that he plans to retire from professional tennis after the 2024 Games, opting to play only doubles at Roland Garros before hanging up his racquet for good.
At 37, Murray’s decision signals the approaching conclusion of the illustrious ‘big four’ era in tennis, which also includes the already-retired Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal, who has hinted at his own farewell from tennis this year.
The two-time Wimbledon champion has secured two of his three Grand Slam titles against Djokovic, triumphing at the 2012 US Open and again at Wimbledon in 2013.
During a press conference for Team Serbia ahead of the Olympics, Djokovic paid homage to his fellow competitors, particularly highlighting the significance of both Murray and Nadal in the sport's history.
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Djokovic said: “I heard the news about Andy and I hope that he will have the best possible farewell in his last competitive match in the Olympics, for him and his country.
“He is a legend of our sport and has been an incredibly important player for tennis globally.
“Nadal of course the same, even more all the results and achievements he has had, particularly in this city, in Roland Garros.
“Nadal didn’t say when his last tournament will be, so hopefully for the sake of the sport he can keep going.”
Although he has witnessed his long-time competitors retire or near the conclusion of their careers, Djokovic, also 37, stated that he has no intention of retiring in the near future, joking that many in the tennis world would love if he did make that decision.
“I don’t have retirement close in my mind, to be honest, even though I know a lot of people would love me to retire,” the 24-time Grand Slam winner added.
“I think as long as there is at least one of us left in the competition, I think the era is still going.
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“Of course there is a change of generations, (Carlos) Alcaraz and (Jannik) Sinner, currently they are two of the best in the world, deservedly.
“They are playing at a very high level. They’re very young and they are going to carry the sport in the future.
“I’ve been present for the shift of many generations in the last 15 years, I like to see that, but I think it’s also great I’m still able to play.
“Of course the end is nearer than the beginning, I know that. I still enjoy competition and I’ll keep going until I don’t enjoy it any more.”
