Novak Djokovic has expressed a strong desire to participate in the next Summer Olympics, scheduled for 2028 in Los Angeles, despite acknowledging that the event feels distant given his current age. Turning 39 in May, Djokovic remains highly competitive, as shown by his recent run to the Australian Open final, yet he remains realistic about the challenges ahead.
Career Highlights and Olympic History
Throughout his career, Djokovic has taken part in four Olympic Games, earning a bronze medal in 2008 and later achieving gold, completing a rare Golden Slam. If he competes in 2028, he would enter as the reigning Olympic champion. However, the likelihood of his participation is uncertain due to the physical demands and his age at that time.
Honest Thoughts on Future Participation
Speaking from Milan during the ongoing Winter Olympics, Djokovic shared his candid views on the prospect of returning for the 2028 Games.
“Far away, yes. At this stage of my life and career, it’s far off, but obviously I have the desire to get there,”
he told Corriere TV. This is not the first time Djokovic has voiced this ambition, but he continuously emphasizes the unpredictability of the future in professional sports.
After his recent Australian Open loss to Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic openly admitted the complexity in planning so far ahead.
“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six or 12 months, so it has been a great ride – I love you guys,”
he remarked. He further explained,
“That’s why I left it open. I really don’t know. You’ve followed me for a long time and I don’t pretend or fake things. I told you for the last year or year and a half that I’m not sure how much and what is next.”
When discussing his future tournament schedule, Djokovic said,
“I said I’d like to play until the 2028 Olympics, but that might mean playing one tournament a year, maybe 10, 15, two, or seven—I honestly don’t know.”
He also emphasized,
“I don’t want to make decisions about my schedule and future so far in advance. Right now, my only wish is to be with my family and then I’ll see what’s next.”
Experience at the Winter Olympics Ceremony
Djokovic participated in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan and described the event as both impressive and emotional.
“A beautiful spectacle, as always. It’s always nice to be in Italy. Clearly, Italy is a country of sport. We expected a show, and that’s exactly what we saw,”
he said. Reflecting on this moment he shared with his family, Djokovic stated,
“This was my first time at a Winter Olympics opening ceremony, and it was an emotional experience. I’m very happy to have shared this moment with my family.”
Looking Ahead to Djokovic’s Journey and Legacy
As Djokovic continues competing at a high level alongside emerging players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, his goals remain ambitious yet tempered by realism. The possibility of Djokovic extending his career to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games reflects not only his enduring passion but also the challenges faced by athletes as they age. His performance and decisions over the coming years will likely shape the closing chapters of a remarkable sporting legacy.
