When the 2028 Olympics begin in Los Angeles, Novak Djokovic will be ready to go. The 38-year-old intends to defend his men’s singles title at the 2028 Games, he announced Monday.
That shouldn’t come as a major surprise considering Djokovic’s excellence. Despite his age, Djokovic is still playing at a high level. He’s reached the semifinals at both the Australian Open and French Open in 2025, and is the No. 5 ranked men’s player in the sport.
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But his age is a major question. Following Djokovic’s elimination from the French Open, the Serbian hinted at the match possibly being his last at Roland Garros. All of his major rivals — Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal — are all retired. Djokovic is the only member of that group still playing.
While Djokovic will be 41 when the 2028 Olympics begin, he intends to play at the event. Not only that, but Djokovic said that’s his main motivation to keep going at this point in his career, per Olympics.com.
“The only thing that at this moment, professionally speaking, I have in my vision at this point,” Djokovic said in an interview.
“And it’s interesting when we talk about these achievements and the Olympics that stand out and redemption, the only thing that I have in my head, which gives me motivation, is the Olympics of 2028 in Los Angeles.
“And playing for the national team and Grand Slams. But not even the Grand Slams, not as much as the Olympics.”
Djokovic has competed at the Olympics five times. He won a bronze medal in 2008 and secured the gold at the 2024 Games. If Djokovic manages to pull off another gold-medal victory in 2028, he would become only the second men’s player to defend his Olympics title, joining Murray.
Given everything he’s accomplished over his career, Djokovic doesn’t need another Olympics win to add to his legacy. If he retired today, he would go down as one of the best to ever do it. He’s won every single Grand Slam multiple times and already has a gold medal.
Even with Djokovic’s career winding down, the allure of another gold medal will keep him going. Winning the Olympics at 41 might prove difficult, but — given everything he’s accomplished — Djokovic shouldn’t ever be counted out.
