While Grand Slam titles have defined Novak Djokovic’s legacy for over a decade, the legendary Serb has recently revealed that a different stage now fuels his ambition—the Olympic Games. Surprisingly, it’s not the traditional tennis majors that top his bucket list, but rather the allure of representing Serbia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which he describes as a “unique” pursuit.
Although Djokovic’s last year and a half on tour may not have mirrored his past dominance—at least not by his extraordinary standards—there’s been no sign of him stepping away from the sport. If anything, his motivation seems reinvigorated. Just days ago, he claimed his 100th ATP trophy in Geneva, joining the elite company of Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors as only the third male player in history to hit the century mark in career titles.
Currently hunting his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam at Roland Garros, Djokovic has his eyes set on something even more meaningful than personal glory: national pride. As he looks ahead, the 41-year-old is already dreaming of the 2028 Olympic spectacle in Los Angeles. In a candid chat with Croatian football icon Slaven Bilic, he shared the depth of that dream.
“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 stated, whilst speaking to Croatian footballer Slaven Bilic.
“And yes, the Grand Slam tournaments, but not even they motivate me as much as the Olympics.”
That’s a bold claim from a man who has redefined excellence across all four majors. Yet, it underscores the deeper meaning Djokovic attaches to the Games—a platform that transcends rankings and records. For context, it wasn’t until Paris 2024 that Djokovic finally clinched his long-sought Olympic gold medal, following heartbreak in three previous semi-final exits in 2008, 2012, and 2021.
His campaign in Paris was nothing short of flawless. Without dropping a single set through six rounds, he capped off his run with a masterclass performance in the final, outdueling Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3), 7-6(2). That historic win elevated him into an exclusive club, joining Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal as only the third male player to complete the Career Golden Slam—winning all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold in singles.
Reflecting on that triumph, Djokovic was asked by GQ whether he had “completed tennis.” His response, while tongue-in-cheek, was laced with insight and humility.
“Yes, I mean if you solely look at it from the perspective of completing achievements and the game itself? Then, yeah, I mean I guess,” stated the Serb, after being asked by GQ if he had, indeed, ‘completed tennis.’
“Both publicly and privately, a lot of people told me they think it’s best if you leave on a high, which I understand, don’t get me wrong, I do understand that.
“But if I still physically am capable and I still feel like I can beat the best players in the world in Grand Slams—why would I want to stop now?”
His reasoning is simple: as long as the fire to fight and the body to compete remain intact, he’ll continue to chase greatness on his own terms. Retirement talk, at least for now, is premature.
What sets the Olympics apart, however, is not just the medals or the prestige—it’s the experience. For Djokovic, that atmosphere surpasses even the charged intensity of Grand Slam finals. It’s about the camaraderie, the symbolism, and the rare unity that the Games foster.
“I just want to be at the Olympics, to be an Olympian,” he said.
“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.
“Anyone who hasn’t experienced it can’t fully understand, but for athletes who have had the privilege to experience it, it is unique.”
The Olympic dream has always held a special place in Djokovic’s heart, but the way he speaks about Los Angeles 2028 suggests that it may well be the crescendo to his illustrious career. With the event set to unfold from July 14 to 30, the tennis world waits to see where the matches will be played—but one thing is certain: if Djokovic steps onto that court, it won’t just be another tournament; it’ll be a moment of history in motion.