The Serbian enters the clay-court season with limited match activity in 2026, having played just two tournaments and compiling a 7–2 record. He reached the Australian Open final, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz, and followed it with a fourth-round exit at Indian Wells against defending champion Jack Draper.
His next scheduled appearance is the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he is set to begin his clay-court campaign. Against that backdrop, Djokovic’s recent comments provide insight into how he is managing expectations, time and long-term motivation at this stage of his career.
Perspective on time and career evolution
Djokovic described his relationship with time as complex, noting that its perception has changed significantly over the years. He explained that while he attempts to accept its pace, the experience varies depending on whether he is considering his professional or personal life.
He said he tries to handle it with “as much maturity as possible,” acknowledging that at times time appears to accelerate, particularly compared to earlier stages of his career. That shift, he suggested, is linked both to age and to a broader awareness of priorities.
“It depends. I try to accept that sometimes time flies very fast, but it depends on which part of my life we refer to, professional or personal. Sometimes I struggle to accept it, other times I wish it would go even faster so I can experience something I’m really looking forward to. Overall, I try to manage it with as much maturity as possible.”
He expanded on that idea by pointing to a shared perception among his peers and the public, indicating that the passage of time feels increasingly compressed compared to earlier decades. That perception has influenced how he approaches both competition and life outside tennis.
“That’s a good question. I think, in general, it goes quite fast, and it’s not just my impression: many people tell me that, compared to 15 or 20 years ago, time seems to fly. Maybe I was younger and time didn’t matter as much to me as it does now.”
Motivation, legacy and future ambitions
Despite his achievements, Djokovic emphasised that his ambitions remain active, particularly in the context of Grand Slam competition. While acknowledging his legacy, he stated that his focus is still directed toward winning and extending his career for as long as possible.
He made clear that his motivation is no longer defined solely by titles, describing his outlook as broader and more aligned with long-term personal and professional goals. Within that framework, he still identified a clear competitive target at the highest level of the sport. “For me, it’s not just about results and recognition. Obviously, I would like to win at least another Grand Slam, stay healthy and keep playing for many years.”
Djokovic also highlighted his interest in remaining involved in the evolution of tennis, expressing a desire to witness future developments from within the game. At the same time, he pointed to responsibilities outside competition, particularly his role as a father.
“But there are many other things I want to be involved in, to observe the changes happening in tennis. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future brings, and I would like to see it also as an active player. I have many plans and dreams, especially as a father: I want to be present in my children’s goals, because I travel so much and am often away from them and my wife.”
Defining moments and enduring perspective
Reflecting on his career, Djokovic identified key personal and professional milestones that continue to shape his perspective. While his achievements on court remain central, he placed equal emphasis on experiences outside tennis, particularly family.
He also pointed to one of his most significant sporting accomplishments as a moment he would choose to relive, underlining the importance of representing his country on the Olympic stage. That achievement remains distinct within a career defined by Grand Slam success.
“I would relive many moments of my career and my personal life: getting married and becoming a father twice are experiences I would repeat endlessly,” the former world No. 1 said. “Professionally, I would like to go back to the moment when I won the gold medal for my country at the Paris Olympic Games, but many other successes have also stayed frozen in time.”
Those reflections come at a transitional point in Djokovic’s career, with ranking movement, reduced scheduling and shifting priorities shaping his trajectory. As he prepares for Monte-Carlo, his outlook suggests a balance between continued competitive ambition and a broader view of legacy and life beyond tennis.