In a moment that delighted fans and frustrated rivals, Novak Djokovic has cheekily shut down retirement speculation with a five-word message: “It’s not happening, sorry.” The 24-time Grand Slam champion made the statement during a press conference at the Joy Forum in Riyadh on October 16, 2025, ahead of his semifinal clash at the Six Kings Slam. With Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Holger Rune rising through the ranks, Djokovic’s declaration signals that he’s not ready to pass the torch just yet.
The Serbian icon, now 38, was joined on stage by Shaquille O’Neal and UFC President Dana White, adding star power to the event. When asked about his future in tennis, Djokovic smiled and said, “I know many youngsters are waiting for me to retire. It’s not happening, sorry.” The video of his response has gone viral, with fans praising his confidence and longevity.
🧠 Key Highlights from Djokovic’s Retirement Statement
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Statement Date | October 16, 2025 |
| Event | Joy Forum, Riyadh |
| Tournament | Six Kings Slam |
| Quote | “It’s not happening, sorry.” |
| Age | 38 |
| Next Match | Semifinal vs Jannik Sinner |
Djokovic’s comment comes amid speculation that he might step away after the 2025 season, but his form and fitness suggest otherwise.
📊 Timeline of Djokovic’s Career and Retirement Rumours
| Year | Milestone Description |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Wins first Grand Slam (Australian Open) |
| 2016 | Completes Career Grand Slam |
| 2023 | Wins 24th Grand Slam title |
| 2025 | Competes in Six Kings Slam, confirms no retirement |
Djokovic has maintained top-five ATP rankings and reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams this year.
🗣️ Reactions from Tennis World and Fans
- Carlos Alcaraz: “He’s still the benchmark. We learn from him.”
- Jannik Sinner: “Facing Novak is always a masterclass.”
- Fans on Social Media: “He’s the GOAT and he’s not done yet.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Young Players | Respectful but eager to challenge him |
| Fans | Celebrating his longevity and passion |
| Analysts | Predicting more Grand Slam runs |
| Media | Highlighting viral video and press moment |
Djokovic’s statement has also boosted ticket sales and viewership for the Six Kings Slam semifinals.
🧾 Djokovic’s Career Stats and 2025 Performance Snapshot
| Category | Record/Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Slam Titles | 24 | Most in men’s singles history |
| ATP Titles | 100 | Includes 10 Australian Opens |
| 2025 Grand Slam Semis | 4 | Reached semis in all majors |
| Career Prize Money | $190.5 million | Highest in tennis history |
| Current ATP Ranking | No. 3 | Behind Alcaraz and Sinner |
Djokovic’s training regime includes altitude conditioning, plant-based nutrition, and mental visualization.
🧭 What to Watch in Djokovic’s Next Chapter
- Six Kings Slam Semifinal: Djokovic vs Sinner on October 18
- ATP Finals 2025: Djokovic expected to qualify
- Olympics 2028: May target singles gold, his only missing accolade
- Legacy Projects: Djokovic Foundation expanding global outreach
Djokovic concluded, “I still love the game. I still feel the fire. So I’ll keep going.”
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified athlete statements, tournament coverage, and media reports as of October 17, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute sports forecasting, health advice, or endorsement and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
