Novak Djokovic keeps making history. This time, he’s chasing his eighth Wimbledon title. After a straight-sets win over Dan Evans on Thursday, moving into the third round at the All England Club, Djokovic was asked if he ever reflects on his long career, which started in 2003 when he was just 16. He said he rarely does, explaining that right now he's focused on staying in shape and ready to compete.
Djokovic's fitness has always stood out for his discipline, dedication, and athleticism. His talent, combined with his fitness, has kept him at the top of the game for an extended period. Since Nadal and Federer stepped away from the game, talk around Novak Djokovic’s own retirement has only grown. Every move, particularly today's joke about sipping margaritas on the beach with his longtime rivals, is being interpreted by fans.
In classic Djokovic fashion, he blended sincerity with humor when asked about reflecting on his journey: “...I don't reflect fully on everything that I have been through,” Djokovic admitted. I would like to. "But I think that's going to come probably when I set the racket aside and then sip margaritas on the beach with Federer and Nadal and just reflect on our rivalry and everything."
The epic rivalry of the 'Big Three': Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer
The rivalry between Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic, known as the 'Big Three,' is considered the greatest in tennis history. Since the early 2000s, they have dominated the sport with a combined 66 Grand Slam titles and 46 major finals between them.
Federer was known for his grace and fluid style, Nadal excelled on clay courts with his intensity and strength, while Djokovic was recognized for his unmatched consistency and mental toughness.
Federer retired in September 2022 after playing his final match at the Laver Cup alongside Nadal. Nadal followed in 2024, saying the season would likely be his last. He said goodbye to the sport at the French Open that year.