Novak Djokovic might be the best tennis player in the world, but he’s also a very fiery character, often displaying intense emotions on the court.

Djokovic’s Fiery On-Court Personality

Djokovic has never shied away from expressing his emotions—whether it’s breaking a racket in frustration, clashing with the crowd, or arguing with umpires. His expressive nature has sparked debates, with some seeing it as a flaw, while others view it as a testament to his competitive spirit.

At his core, Djokovic is a fierce competitor who loves the sport. That passion is one of the reasons he continues to play at the highest level, despite having nothing left to prove.

Why Djokovic Hasn’t Retired Yet

Although currently not competing, Djokovic recently spoke with Montenegrin publication Vijesti and addressed the question of why he hasn’t retired.

“Primarily, it’s because of my love for tennis and for sports. Secondly, I believe that tennis helps me grow the most as a person—no matter how strange that may sound.”

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Tennis

Djokovic admitted that the sport allows him to experience emotions he doesn’t feel anywhere else—some of which even leave him feeling embarrassed.

“On the court, during a match, I go through a million emotions—the best and the worst ones—doubt, criticism, ecstasy, satisfaction, anger, rage, and everything in between. Sometimes, in those few hours, I even feel embarrassed by what I go through and how I behave, as well as by the thoughts that cross my mind.”

Despite these intense emotions, Djokovic takes pride in competing with integrity and always showing respect to his opponents.

“But in any case, I am proud that I can experience all of this in a human and sporting manner and still shake hands with my opponent, whether I win or lose. I think these are the values that sports promote and the reason why people identify with athletes. Especially in an individual sport, where you first have to defeat yourself before you can defeat the opponent across the net.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond his personal journey, Djokovic sees his career as an opportunity to inspire future generations. He wants to encourage young athletes to take up sports and believes in its importance for overall well-being.

“These are all life lessons I go through, and beyond that, I truly feel that by playing professional tennis, I continue to inspire younger generations to pick up a racket—not just in our country but around the world.”

“That is what drives me; it truly gives me strength. The privileged position and status I have are things I cherish. I would love for everyone to play tennis, but I would be just as happy if they took up any sport, with or without a ball, because physical activity is essential—for health and for everything else—from the youngest age.”

Djokovic’s passion for tennis goes beyond personal success—it’s about growth, inspiration, and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.