With the 2028 Olympics starting in Los Angeles, Novak Djokovic is ready. The 38-year-old plans to defend his men’s singles title in the 2028 game, he announced Monday.
Given Djokovic’s excellence, it should not come as a big surprise. Despite his age, Djokovic is still playing at a high level. He reached the semi-finals at both the Australian Open and the French Open in 2025, and is the fifth-place male player in the sport.
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But his age is a big problem. Following Djokovic’s removal from the French opening, the Serbs hinted at the match, perhaps his last at Roland Garros. His major rivals – Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, all retired. Djokovic is still the only member of the group.
Djokovic will be 41 when the 2028 Olympics begin, but he plans to play in the event. Not only that, Djokovic said that it was his main motivation for continuing at this point in his career, according to Olympics.com.
“At this point, professionally speaking, the only thing I have at this point that I have my vision,” Djokovic said in an interview.
“And it’s interesting to talk about these achievements and the outstanding Olympics and redness. The only thing in my mind is motivational and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“And we play for the national team and the Grand Slams, but even the Grand Slams aren’t as bad as the Olympics.”
Djokovic has competed in the Olympics five times. He won the bronze medal in 2008 and secured gold in the 2024 game. If Djokovic stops another gold medal victory in 2028, he will become the second male player to defend the Olympic title and join Murray.
Given everything he achieved in his career, Djokovic does not need another Olympic victory to add to his legacy. If he retires today, he will descend as one of the best to do it. He has won all the Grand Slams multiple times and has already won gold medals.
Even if Djokovic’s career is over, the charm of another gold medal will keep him moving. Winning the Olympics at 41 may be difficult, but given everything he has accomplished, Djokovic should never be counted.
