Having now clinched the 400 weeks and world number 1, I have to imagine that some part of Novak’s motivation tank is getting empty.
- Clinched 400 and Ye1
- He’s 2 clear of Rafa in the slam race and it’s unlikely Rafa will get there given his health
- His family (parents) have said they would like him to retire and start a life outside tennis. I suspect they are getting to an age where they just want to be with their kids and grandkids
- Outside of the Olympics, there aren’t any true milestones for him to chase.
Does 25 or 26 or 27 slams really make that much of a difference to him? I know that he himself has often talked about playing for many years but I have to wonder if he will wake up one day and just find that he’s ready to be done.
Novak’s motivation in his late teens was to reach #1 and win Wimbledon. ☑️
His motivation in his early 20s was to become the best version of himself and play tennis for the love of the game. ☑️
His motivation in his late 20s was to get closer to Fedal in the Slam race and Masters 1000 titles and the weeks at #1. Lost Gen be damned. ☑️
His motivation in the early 30s was to win as many big titles as possible (Slams, Masters 1000, ATP finals) and set himself up as the GOAT. Next Gen be damned. ☑️
His motivation in his late 30s is to surpass his own records and as a consequence prevent New Gen from winning big titles and taking over #1 ranking. ☑️ In his late 30s he also hopes to do one better for Serbia and win the Olympic Gold medal. TBD