No matter how illustrious or lengthy a sports career is, they all eventually conclude, and it seems Novak Djokovic‘s legendary journey is nearing its end. Yet, the 38-year-old Serbian remains competing at the highest level, citing a specific tournament, not among the four Grand Slams, as a key reason he stays motivated to remain on the court.
One of Djokovic’s major goals this season is to clinch another Major title, aiming to become the sole player in tennis history, male or female, to have won 25 Grand Slam titles. However, there’s another event he credits with driving his professional career.
In an interview on the YouTube channel of former Croatian soccer player Slaven Bilic, Djokovic revealed that aiming to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, representing Serbia, is what keeps him pushing himself at the top level.
“The only thing I currently have in my vision, it’s interesting when we talk about those achievements and the Olympics, which stands out alongside the Davis Cup, what gives me motivation is the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and playing for my country,” Djokovic revealed.
Even though the 24-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged that Majors still keep him competitive, he explained they don’t motivate him as much as the Olympics, where he won his first gold medal in Paris 2024. “And yes, the Grand Slam tournaments, but not even they motivate me as much as the Olympics,” he added.
Djokovic and his Olympic inspiration
The former World No. 1 expressed that representing his country in the Olympics provides an incomparable and unique feeling. Djokovic stated that those who haven’t experienced the Games cannot fully grasp that sensation.
“I just want to be at the Olympics, to be an Olympian. To experience that moment wearing my country’s crest, walking through the Olympic Village with the world’s best athletes, that feeling is sport itself,” Djokovic explained. “Anyone who hasn’t experienced it can’t fully understand, but for athletes who have had the privilege to experience it, it is unique”.
Djokovic’s Olympic journey
Djokovic is no stranger to representing his country at the Olympics. In fact, he has participated in five editions, from 2008 to 2024, never missing an opportunity. However, Djokovic had to wait until Paris 2024 to earn his first and only Olympic medal thus far.
Previously, he was eliminated in the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012, and 2020, and in 2016, he was knocked out in the first round by Juan Martin del Potro. Eternal glory finally arrived for Djokovic in 2024, as he defeated none other than Carlos Alcaraz in the final to claim the gold medal.