{"id":144505,"date":"2025-05-30T16:06:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T16:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/144505\/"},"modified":"2025-05-30T16:06:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T16:06:09","slug":"novak-djokovic-reveals-the-only-thing-keeping-him-playing-tennis-now-which-means-more-than-winning-another-grand-slam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/144505\/","title":{"rendered":"Novak Djokovic reveals the ‘only thing’ keeping him playing tennis now which means more than winning another Grand Slam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Novak Djokovic has, by all accounts, \u2018completed tennis\u2019, winning every big trophy in the sport.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Serbian ATP<\/a> star is a record 24-time Grand Slam champion, having achieved more success at the Major tournaments than any other player in tennis history.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s also won all nine Masters 1000 events, completing two \u2018Career Golden Masters\u2019 (Djokovic<\/a> won all nine events twice).<\/p>\n

\"NovakPhoto by Ian Johnson\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Davis Cup and ATP Finals<\/a> glory were also achieved early in Djokovic\u2019s career, as just one title eluded him.<\/p>\n

The Serb had failed in his first three attempts to win Olympic Gold before Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz<\/a> in Paris last year to finally receive the medal he longed for.<\/p>\n

Speaking ahead of this year\u2019s French Open<\/a>, Djokovic revealed the \u2018one thing\u2019 keeping him from retiring, having accomplished everything he set out to achieve in tennis.<\/p>\n

Novak Djokovic says returning to the Olympics in 2028 motivates him more than winning a Grand Slam<\/p>\n

During an interview with Croatian soccer legend Slaven Bilic, Djokovic highlighted the one goal he has left to accomplish in tennis.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only thing I currently have in my vision it\u2019s interesting when we talk about those achievements and the Olympics<\/a>, which stands out alongside the Davis Cup, what gives me motivation is the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and playing for my country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd yes, the Grand Slam tournaments, but not even they motivate me as much as the Olympics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Djokovic explained why he is so motivated to return to the Olympics, having already won Gold in 2024.<\/p>\n

\"NovakPhoto by Antonio Borga\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to be at the Olympics, to be an Olympian,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo experience that moment wearing my country\u2019s crest, walking through the Olympic Village with the world\u2019s best athletes, that feeling is sport itself.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone who hasn\u2019t experienced it can\u2019t fully understand, but for athletes who have had the privilege to experience it, it is unique.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 2028 Olympic Games will take place in Los Angeles, USA, from Friday, July 14, to Sunday, July 30.<\/p>\n

How old will Novak Djokovic be at the 2028 Olympic Games?<\/p>\n

If Djokovic does appear at the 2028 Olympic Games in LA, he\u2019ll do so as a 41-year-old.<\/p>\n

Since tennis returned to the Olympic schedule in 1988, no player has won Gold aged 40 or above.<\/p>\n\nOlympics<\/strong><\/td>\nGold Medalist<\/strong><\/td>\nNationality<\/strong><\/td>\nAge<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2024 \u2013 Paris<\/td>\nNovak Djokovic<\/td>\nSerbian<\/td>\n37<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2020 (2021) \u2013 Tokyo<\/td>\nAlexander Zverev<\/td>\nGerman<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2016 \u2013 Rio<\/td>\nAndy Murray<\/td>\nBritish<\/td>\n29<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2012 \u2013 London<\/td>\nAndy Murray<\/td>\nBritish<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2008 \u2013 Beijing<\/td>\nRafael Nadal<\/td>\nSpanish<\/td>\n22<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2004 \u2013 Athens<\/td>\nNicolas Massu<\/td>\nChilean<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n2000 \u2013 Sydney<\/td>\nYevgeny Kafelnikov<\/td>\nRussian<\/td>\n26<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n1996 \u2013 Atlanta<\/td>\nAndre Agassi<\/td>\nAmerican<\/td>\n26<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n1992 \u2013 Barcelona<\/td>\nMarc Rosset<\/td>\nSwiss<\/td>\n21<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n1988 \u2013 Seoul<\/td>\nMiloslav Mecir<\/td>\nCzechoslovakia<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Ages of men\u2019s Olympic Gold medallists in tennis <\/p>\n

In fact, no player other than Djokovic himself has won Gold past their 30th birthday.<\/p>\n

Not afraid of making history, the Serb will look to improve upon his impressive Olympic record if he does choose to return in three years\u2019 time.<\/p>\n

Djokovic has reached the semi-finals of four Olympic competitions, producing some of his best tennis when representing his country.<\/p>\n

2008 Olympics \u2013 Novak Djokovic won Bronze<\/p>\n

Making his first appearance at the Olympics, Djokovic started strongly in Beijing, reaching the semi-finals without too much difficulty.<\/p>\n