Djokovic Eyes 2028 Olympics But Admits It's Far Off

Tennis star acknowledges uncertainty around future participation due to age and career challenges.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Novak Djokovic has expressed a strong desire to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, having won gold in the past. However, the 39-year-old Serbian tennis player admits the goal feels distant given his current age and the unpredictability of his future in the sport.

Why it matters

Djokovic's potential participation in the 2028 Olympics would be a remarkable achievement, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats of tennis. But his honest assessment of the challenges ahead highlights the difficulties aging athletes face in planning their long-term futures.

The details

Djokovic has competed in four Olympic Games, winning bronze in 2008 and gold in 2016 to complete a rare Golden Slam. If he were to play in 2028, he would enter as the reigning Olympic champion. However, the physical demands of the sport and his current age of 39 make his participation uncertain. Djokovic has expressed a desire to play until the 2028 Olympics, but he acknowledges that could mean playing just one tournament a year or as many as seven, as he is unsure of his future schedule and commitments.

  • Djokovic turned 39 in May 2026.
  • The 2028 Summer Olympics are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles.
  • Djokovic recently reached the final of the 2026 Australian Open.

The players

Novak Djokovic

A 39-year-old Serbian tennis player who has won 20 Grand Slam titles and is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Carlos Alcaraz

A rising young Spanish tennis player who has emerged as one of Djokovic's main rivals on the ATP Tour.

Jannik Sinner

A young Italian tennis player who has also been making waves on the ATP Tour and is seen as a future star of the sport.

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What they’re saying

“Far away, yes. At this stage of my life and career, it's far off, but obviously I have the desire to get there.”

— Novak Djokovic (Corriere TV)

“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six or 12 months, so it has been a great ride – I love you guys.”

— Novak Djokovic (Corriere TV)

“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.”

— Novak Djokovic (Corriere TV)

“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.”

— Novak Djokovic (Corriere TV)

What’s next

Djokovic's performance and decisions over the coming years will likely shape the closing chapters of his remarkable sporting legacy.

The takeaway

Djokovic's ambition to compete in the 2028 Olympics reflects his enduring passion for the sport, but his honest assessment of the challenges ahead highlights the difficulties aging athletes face in planning their long-term futures.