Watch: Djokovic ‘proud’ to prevail in ‘gruelling’ Athens Open final against Musetti
Video credit: SNTV
Novak Djokovic has confirmed his desire to keep playing until the 2028 Olympic Games, when he plans to retire playing under the Serbian flag.
Djokovic will be 41 when the Olympics start in Los Angeles in 2028 and if he competes it will be his sixth Games.
His great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have both retired in recent years, Federer at the 2022 Laver Cup and Nadal at the Davis Cup Finals in 2024.
Djokovic, 38, has his sights on continuing playing for a few more years.
“I’ve always had this throughout my life and my career, I’ve always had a schedule in my head for a year or more, what I want, how I want it,” he said after beating Lorenzo Musetti to win his 101st career title in Athens.
“Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I said about the 2028 Olympics because I wanted to play for so many more years. So maybe ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag, that would be nice.”
Despite Djokovic’s desire to play until 2028, it remains to be seen if he can make it happen.
He has reached four Grand Slam semi-finals this season but has struggled with the physical demands of the two-week events.
He has also conceded that world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz are a level above him right now.
“I really don’t know,” he admitted about his future plans. “Because there are some things that are not entirely in my control. I’m trying to be as healthy as possible mentally and physically.”
Djokovic will be the defending men’s singles champion at the 2028 Olympics after beating Alcaraz in last year’s final to claim gold.
Highlights: Djokovic edges past Musetti in Athens Open final to claim 101st career title
Video credit: SNTV
Djokovic showed that he still has the passion to win as he beat Musetti in a gruelling Athens final to become the oldest tournament winner since Ken Rosewall, who was 43 when he won in Hong Kong in 1977.
Djokovic needs two more titles to equal Federer’s tally of 103, while Jimmy Connors heads the list with 109.
“It was an incredible battle – I don’t know [how I won it],” said Djokovic about the Athens final.
“Three hours, a gruelling match physically, super demanding. Lorenzo played really well. It could have been anybody’s match so congrats to him for an amazing performance and I just feel very proud of myself to get through this one.”
Djokovic pulled out of the Nitto ATP Finals following the win, handing Musetti a place at the tournament in his home country.
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