Novak Djokovic's savage reply to commentators who mocked him when he was a teenager

Novak Djokovic recently attended the World Sports Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He was honoured with the Global Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contribution to tennis.

Djokovic is still going strong at the age of 38. Apart from title-winning runs in Geneva and Athens, he also reached the semifinals of all four Major events in 2025.

During the ceremony, an old clip from his early playing days was shown on the big screen. The footage featured commentators calling him a hungry, skinny youngster while questioning his potential.

Cut to 24 Grand Slam titles later in 2025, the Serb reacted to the old video and said:

"They're right, I'm still hungry," Novak Djokovic said in a light-hearted manner

Djokovic had also qualified for the ATP Finals this year, an event he's won seven times in his career. However, he chose to withdraw and prioritize his fitness ahead of 2026.

The Serb shared his passion for tennis at the World Sports Summit in Dubai. He wished to keep going till the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

"So, I do want to keep on going. I said that the LA Olympics 28 is kind of a guiding star. But, honestly, there is no limit. So, let's see. You know what I mean? Like, I just keep going. I love, love hitting the tennis ball. And I love competing," Novak Djokovic said

"I was saying to the guys that I was talking to, you know, the great footballers, that it's really about passion and love. And as long as you really feel like you're playing on a high level and your body holds on, why not," he added

"I'm trying to rebuild my body" - Novak Djokovic sets his sights on winning another Major title in 2026

Novak Djokovic at the Italy v Austria - Davis Cup Finals 2025 - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic is eager to capture his 25th Major title in 2026. He will be expected to make a deep run at the Australian Open next year.

The former World No. 1 reflected on his season and felt the need to rebuild his body for the future. He is yet to reach a Grand Slam final since winning the US Open in 2023.

“I’ve injured myself more often in the last 18 months, so I’m trying to rebuild my body so that the start of the next season is excellent and, hopefully, I can keep up with the best," Novak Djokovic said after winning the title in Athens

Djokovic reached the semifinals of the Australian Open this year, but lost to Jannik Sinner in four sets. The Italian also outclassed him in the semifinal of the French Open and Wimbledon Championships in 2025.

Novak Djokovic adds serving coach Mark Kovacs to his team for 2026

Djokovic at the Championships - Wimbledon 2024 - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic has added serving coach Mark Kovacs to his team ahead of 2026. Kovacs has previously worked with the likes of Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, and Sloane Stephens.

Djokovic rocketed 403 aces and committed 102 double faults in 2025. He won 77% of his first serve points and 56% of his second serve points this year.

The 38-year-old is expected to compete at the Adelaide International. He won the event in 2023 and will be one of the favourites to challenge for the trophy next year.

The Adelaide International will begin on January 12. Jack Draper and Joao Fonseca are also expected to participate in the ATP 250 event in Australia.