Djokovic: As long as the fire burns, I'll keep playing

INDIAN WELLS, California — Novak Djokovic said he sees no reason to retire from tennis, given that he is still motivated to compete and capable of beating the best players in the world.

The 38-year-old Serb defeated defending champion Jannik Sinner in a thrilling semifinal at the Australian Open in January, before falling to world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the final, proving he is still a force on the sport's biggest stages.

"It was an incredible feeling to be able to beat Sinner in five sets in one of the epic matches that I've played in recent times in Australia, and then to have another great match with Carlos, who was just too good in the end," Djokovic told reporters at Indian Wells.

"For me, that was a phenomenal result. So I have proven to myself, primarily, and to others, that I can still compete at the highest level and beat these guys," he said.

"So my logic is, why not keep going as long as I have that fire, flair and quality, and the motivation, to do so?"

The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he enjoys picking and choosing his schedule, which revolves mostly around the four Grand Slams and tune-up events. He also makes space for the Indian Wells tournament in the California desert, where he is a five-time champion.

"I really enjoy the thrill of competition," he said.

"I enjoy still getting out there in front of the fans and being competitive. I am still No 3 in the world, so I don't think it's too bad in terms of the ranking, results and performances.

"So I'm still competitive. I still have that edge, and I'll keep on going as long as I feel like it."

Alcaraz aims to extend his perfect start to 2026 at Indian Wells, while Sinner returns to the California desert looking to fill a gap in his resume with his first title of the year.

The world's top-two players headline a stellar men's field for the ATP and WTA Masters 1000 tournament, where Djokovic is chasing a record sixth title.

Serena comeback

Meanwhile, Djokovic suggested on Wednesday that Serena Williams could see Wimbledon as the ideal venue to return to tennis if the 23-time Grand Slam champion decides to make a comeback to the game later this year.

The 44-year-old American has not played since the 2022 US Open, after which she said she was "evolving away from tennis," but fueled speculation about a potential return after re-entering the sport's anti-doping pool last year.

"I think she's coming back. I don't know. I haven't spoken to her, but I guess the sentiment is that she's coming back," Djokovic told reporters at Indian Wells.

"I pick that one (Wimbledon), as well, as her comeback, but yeah, I don't know. I think she might maybe play a doubles tournament or two with Venus. That would be nice to see, just from my point of view and for tennis fans."

Djokovic added that having one of the game's most dominant figures back in action would be a welcome sight.

"She's one of the greatest athletes," he said. "It would be great to have her back."

Tennis Channel analyst Prakash Amritraj said Williams would have to get some warm-up events under her belt before making a return at an event such as Wimbledon, where she won seven Grand Slam titles.

"Maybe there's a world where she is gearing up for Wimbledon," he told reporters.

"But I don't think she would just rock up and play it. She definitely needs to get some matches in before playing. So maybe there are some warm-up tournaments.

"And, then, on the lighter side, if she's doing it, I've got my wish list card for Serena-Roger (Federer) mixed doubles at the US Open."

Williams' former coach Rick Macci has also recently commented on the speculation, and said her impressive training regimen pointed toward a comeback.