In Indian Wells, California, Novak Djokovic, the world number one in tennis, is considering competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games despite being 41 years old at the time. Despite winning a record 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic has only managed to win a bronze in the Olympics in four attempts. He will have another chance to improve his medal record at the upcoming Paris Games this summer.
When asked about the possibility of competing in the 2028 Olympics, Djokovic said, “Everything is on the cards, I just don’t know how many cards I have left.” He expressed excitement at the thought of playing in the LA Games but stated that he cannot commit to it yet as it is still far in the future.
Djokovic emphasized that he will take things “year by year” to assess his body and motivation levels. Despite the challenges of aging, he still loves the sport and is determined to keep pushing himself to make more history. As the current number one player, he feels motivated to continue competing at the highest level.
Having been unable to travel to the U.S. for the past five years due to COVID-19 restrictions, Djokovic is aiming for a record sixth Indian Wells title. He previously won the tournament three times in a row from 2014-2016 but suffered an early exit in 2019. In the upcoming rounds, he will face Aleksandar Vukic, with the absence of longtime rivals Roger Federer and the injured Rafa Nadal.
Reflecting on the changing landscape of men’s tennis with Federer retired and Nadal nearing the end of his career, Djokovic acknowledged the impact of their absence. He expressed gratitude for the incredible rivalries that characterized the past two decades in tennis but highlighted the need to find new rivals on the tour.
Djokovic mentioned rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as potential new rivals but emphasized that Federer and Nadal remain his two biggest rivals to date. Despite the evolving competition in the sport, Djokovic remains focused on his goals and is determined to continue making history in tennis.
With his sights set on potential Olympic glory in 2028, Djokovic is keeping his options open and staying committed to his love for the sport. As he navigates the challenges of aging and the changing landscape of men’s tennis, Djokovic’s dedication and passion for the game continue to drive him towards new milestones and achievements.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Indian Wells)
