Djokovic Cites Ronaldo,LeBron,Brady as Retirement Inspiration
PARIS – Novak Djokovic revealed on October 16,2025,that the sustained success of Cristiano Ronaldo,LeBron James,and Tom brady factored into his contemplation of retirement following his semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros in June.The 37-year-old serbian tennis star, after securing his 100th ATP tournament victory, acknowledged the influence of these athletes’ longevity and dedication to their respective sports.
Djokovic’s reflections stem from a period of uncertainty following his defeat in Paris, where he publicly mused about perhaps ending his career. He stated at the time, “If this was my goodbye, it was a grate ending,” expressing gratitude for the atmosphere and fan support. However, observing ronaldo’s continued dominance in football, James’ enduring impact in basketball, and Brady’s remarkable career in American football prompted him to reconsider the possibility of extending his own competitive journey. These athletes, he explained, demonstrated that peak performance can be sustained at an elite level well into one’s thirties and beyond.
The influence of these sporting icons underscores a broader trend of athletes pushing the boundaries of age and athletic endurance. Djokovic’s initial contemplation of retirement, voiced after his Roland Garros semi-final loss, highlighted the physical and mental toll of professional tennis. He had said the atmosphere was special and the audience showed very beautiful things. But witnessing the continued achievements of Ronaldo, James, and Brady provided a new viewpoint, suggesting that further success remained attainable with continued commitment and adaptation.
