Novak Djokovic choked back tears as he told Piers Morgan the six words he would like to have on his tombstone when he dies. The two men sat down for an interview, with the tennis star offering an insight into his life on and off the tennis court.
Djokovic has enjoyed a sensational playing career and is often referred to as the tennis GOAT (greatest of all time) after landing a record 24 Grand Slam men’s titles. He has been an absolute warrior on the court since winning his first Major in 2008. But he has displayed his softer side in recent years – and he didn’t hide his emotions as he opened up about death.
Djokovic was asked by Morgan how he would like to be remembered when he retires from tennis.
And the 38-year-old replied: “Wow, that’s a good question. One of the people who has helped me a lot with my mental strength and one of the greatest sports psychologist ever to live, Dr Jim Loehr, who worked with a lot of the champions and No. 1s in the world – in both the men’s and women’s tennis worlds – one of his main questions is, ‘What would you like to have on your tombstone?’
“So it makes you wonder, you know, it makes you ask yourself, ‘How would you like to be remembered?’”
And when Morgan asked the player what he would like to have written across his tombstone, Djokovic was clear with his answer.
“The man who touched people’s hearts,” replied the veteran. And an emotional Djokovic added: “I wanna cry right now, I think I’ve realised what I want on my tombstone.
“Thank you for that, you helped me come to that realisation.”
Djokovic saw his 2025 tennis season come to an end after he won the Hellenic Championships. The blockbuster star overcame Lorenzo Musetti in the final as he landed silverware in his first-ever tournament in Greece.
He was then forced to pull out of the ATP Finals in Turin after struggling with a shoulder injury during his run to the title in Athens. And the ace will now be eyeing a return in time for next year’s Australian Open, which gets underway in mid-January.
“I was really looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best but after today’s final in Athens, I’m sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury,” Djokovic wrote on social media as he withdrew from the season-ending event.
“I’m truly sorry to the fans who were hoping to see me play – your support means so much. I wish all the players an amazing tournament and I can’t wait to be back on the court with you all soon!”