Novak Djokovic admits he considered retiring after what Roger Federer and Andy Murray said to him at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic gets his Roland Garros campaign underway, in what will startlingly be his 20th time competing at this event.

A true record-breaker in every sense of the word, the legacy he will leave on this sport is one that likely no one will ever match.

We hope that he sticks around a little longer to keep making history whilst he still can.

However, it’s understandable that his desire might be waning, especially given Roger Federer, Andy Murray and now Rafael Nadal have all departed.

His greatest-ever rivals, Djokovic admitted his motivation has decreased since Nadal’s retirement, understandably so.

With that in mind, it’s worth wondering when he might follow in their footsteps.

Novak Djokovic makes retirement admission

It almost feels disingenuous to ask Novak Djokovic the retirement question given he remains so present and competitive on the men’s tour.

After all, he reached the semi-finals of the first Grand Slam of the year, and added a 100th career title to his belt just last week too.

However, following a ceremony in honour of one of his greatest-ever rivals, the suggestion cropped up. He responded: ‘Well honestly I was thinking about my end of the road as well last night, or yesterday when we were watching Rafa and having his speech, particularly at those moments when we were in the back room, the three of us, talking obviously to Federer and Murray about their goodbyes and reminiscing, reflecting on the rivalries.

‘Of course part of me is proud that I’m still there, still going, but at the same time I was and I still am a bit sad that they’re all gone because those guys were my greatest motivations of why I competed so intensely and for so long.

‘Yeah, I do as I said think that Rafa deserved what he got yesterday in full intensity of its glory, and of course each one of us dreams of being remembered in such a way and celebrated.

‘I do wish that one day I can get that kind of goodbye from the world of tennis, for sure. I didn’t think about the exact date, it was more of just in general of how beautiful that moment was. I got emotional as well when we were listening to him speak and seeing the reaction of his family, of his team members. It was really heartwarming.

‘Even though we were the fiercest of rivals, it’s that personal touch that is out there when you spill your heart out on the court as he did yesterday. It’s almost impossible it doesn’t touch you. That’s what we basically told him when we were on the court. Kudos and credit to Roland Garros for doing an amazing job.’

Novak Djokovic is the last man standing of the Big Four

A heartfelt and honest quote from the Serbian, who has become known for his humility when asked poignant questions.

And, arguably, this is as important a question as they come.

Djokovic remains the final figure standing from the legendary Big Four, who dominated their sport for well over a decade.

Novak Djokovic’s last five performances at Roland Garros

Together, they created records that will likely never be broken, yet Djokovic remains.

Crucially, there is one record that he will crave more than anything, which is likely keeping him within the sport in case the opportunity comes for him to snag it.

There’s no harm in his continued presence, given his quality and incredible physicality allows him to still be a threat. And, should he win that coveted 25th Grand Slam title, it will have all been more than worth it in the end.