Djokovic Eyes 2028 Olympics as Potential Career Endpoint

Novak Djokovic, the celebrated tennis star, intends to continue his professional career until at least the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, according to Thierry Guibert, the CEO of Lacoste, Djokovic’s longtime apparel sponsor.

Djokovic, who will be 38 later this month, secured his most recent Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2023. He has since added an Olympic gold medal to his achievements, triumphing over Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Games in 2024.

However, his performance this season has sparked debate among followers and experts about his future in tennis.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion with 98 ATP singles titles, is determined to surpass Jimmy Connors’ record of 109 singles titles. Yet, he has faced difficulties in maintaining peak performance recently.

Guibert told L’Équipe that Djokovic is not considering retirement soon.

“Novak wishes to play until the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. We are currently in talks to extend his contract, and I am confident we will reach a mutually satisfactory agreement shortly. Since our partnership began, he has won half of his Grand Slam titles with us and has been essential in growing the brand’s global footprint,” Guibert commented.

Following a recent loss to Matteo Arnaldi at the Madrid Open, Djokovic spoke openly about the difficulties of competing at an elite level as he gets older.

“I had hoped to play one more match than I managed in Monte Carlo,” he stated.

“This is a new reality for me — trying to secure a match or two, without expectations of advancing far in tournaments. It’s a distinct feeling from the past 20 years. It’s mentally demanding to adapt to this phase, with frequent early exits,” he added.

Djokovic, the sole active member of tennis’s ‘Big Four,’ has also opted out of the upcoming Italian Open in Rome, a tournament he has won six times.

His withdrawal follows a rare streak of three consecutive losses, intensifying speculation regarding the future of his distinguished career.