Novak Djokovic has hinted he could retire after the 2028 Olympic Games but fellow superstar Carlos Alcaraz admits he’s prepared to throw a spanner in the works
Novak Djokovic has hinted that he could hang up his racket after the 2028 Olympic Games, where he hopes to defend his gold medal. But Carlos Alcaraz is also setting his sights on the coveted prize.
The Serbian superstar boasts an impressive 24 Grand Slam titles and remains a top-ranked player on the ATP Tour at 38. But he has seen his reign challenged by Jannik Sinner and 22-year-old Alcaraz. The dynamic duo have dominated the last eight Grand Slams, with Djokovic’s last victory coming two years ago at the US Open.
He did manage to clinch Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games, defeating Alcaraz in a nail-biting match that ended 7-6, 7-6. But as injuries begin to take their toll, Djokovic acknowledges that his illustrious career is nearing its curtain call.
Yet the prospect of defending his gold medal in Los Angeles in three years’ time is fuelling his determination. The only snag? Alcaraz is hungry for redemption.
“Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I said about the 2028 Olympics because I wanted to play for so many more years,” Djokovic revealed when quizzed about retirement plans. “So maybe ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag, that would be nice.”
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Earlier this year, Djokovic also mused: “It’s interesting when we talk about these achievements and the Olympics that stand out and redemption.”
“The only thing that I have in my head which gives me motivation is the Olympics of 2028 in Los Angeles. Playing for the national team and Grand Slams. But not even the Grand Slams, not as much as the Olympics.”
The prospect of securing a second Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles appears to be driving Djokovic forward, though one of tennis’ elite could be seeking vindication.
Earlier this month, when Alcaraz was questioned about his short-term ambitions, he highlighted LA 2028 and the chance to prove himself.
“I’m going for the Grand Slams. Winning as many Grand Slams as possible would be my goal. Or I could say winning an Olympic gold medal as well,” Alcaraz told Mundo Deportivo.
When pressed on whether he aims to eclipse Djokovic’s achievements, Alcaraz responded: “What I can say is that we’re on the right track. Having six Grand Slam titles is incredible and it means we’re doing things right.
“Now it’s time to keep going. To keep rowing in the same direction. To keep training and working the same way or even better. Nobody knows the future. It’s uncertain. So we’ll see how we’re doing in a few years.
“There have been incredible players, legends. At the top of the list are Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. I’d love to be at that level. That’s true. It’s a motivation for me and it helps my career but I’m not even close yet.”