Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of LA28: “Two years seems a very long way for me now, but I'm working on it” - exclusive

It is no secret that Novak Djokovic wants to compete at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

The Serbian tennis star achieved "the highlight" of his career at Paris 2024 by clinching the Olympic men’s singles gold medal on an historic afternoon. Who could forget that thumping winner down the line on the glistening clay of Court Philippe-Chatrier?

What initially appeared to be his last dance at the Games only further ignited the Olympic spirit in Djokovic, the then 37-year-old, who declared straight after the final that he wanted to compete in a sixth Olympics.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion stated at the end of last season that he envisions his retirement in Los Angeles, draped in the flag of Serbia, on Carson Courts.

With over 800 days to go until LA28, that goal remains the guiding light.

“Six Olympic Games is better than five Olympic Games,” Djokovic told Olympics.com at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards. “The Olympic Games, representing your country, wearing the colours of your flag and of your nation, on your shirt, on your back, proudly, is something that no other event can really give you.

“To be sharing that Olympic experience with 10,000 other athletes, the best athletes in the world… I hope I get to experience it another time. I'm really working on it. Two years seems a very long way for me now at this stage, but I'm working on it.”

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Novak Djokovic reminisces about Olympic gold

Since sealing Olympic glory at Stade-Roland Garros, Djokovic has continued to break records. He became the third man to win 100 ATP Tour-level titles in June 2025 and reached a record 38th Grand Slam singles final at this year’s Australian Open.

The 38-year-old is still fighting strong in the hunt for a 25th major singles title, which would make him the only player - man or woman - to achieve that feat. But Paris 2024 will always be special, the elusive accolade to complete the coveted career Grand Slam.

“My medal is in a safe place with my family, with my father,” said Djokovic. “He takes care of my trophies. The medal is in a very special place with him. I would definitely put it up there, probably the highlight of my career, considering the age that I was.”

The Olympic champion continued, “Winning it at 37, probably the last best chance to win the Olympic gold, against Carlos, on centre court of Roland-Garros, was an incredible experience and something I'll never forget, probably the nicest memory.

Has he since rewatched the golden moment? “Of course,” Djokovic replied, “I went back and watched it millions of times just by myself, with my kids, everybody.”

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