Novak Djokovic Expresses Desire to Retire at the 2028 LA Olympics With Serbian Flag

Novak Djokovic won the Gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Novak Djokovic Expresses Desire to Retire at the 2028 LA Olympics With Serbian Flag

Novak Djokovic (Image via X/#AusOpen)

Novak Djokovic has thrown a bombshell on his retirement from tennis. The Serb has been linked to many retirement rumors since the end of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal‘s careers. However, Djokovic has denied any such rumors.

However, he has now given a hint about his eventual retirement from the game. The Serb has said that he would wish to retire at the LA Olympics with the Serbian flag. Djokovic said in Serbian media:

I wish to retire at the 2028 Olympic Games with the Serbian flag in my hands.

Djokovic has never denied his passion to play for Serbia. In late 2024, he even said that he is willing to skip ATP events to focus on Davis Cup duty and the Olympic Games.

Moreover, the emotions while playing for Serbia show a different personality from him. It was evident when he was seen unable to control his emotions after winning the Olympic Gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

Novak Djokovic withdraws from Monte Carlo

Serbian legend Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Monte Carlo Masters, with organizers confirming the news through their social media channels. The announcement expressed well-wishes for the Serbian star, who has been struggling with a recurring shoulder injury that has disrupted his season.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/SK)

The 38-year-old had already pulled out of the Miami Open due to the same issue, despite initially planning to compete. His withdrawal followed a difficult outing at Indian Wells, where he was defeated in the Round of 16 by Britain’s Jack Draper. Djokovic later admitted that shoulder pain had affected his performance during that match.

By skipping Miami, Djokovic made it clear that his priority is long-term recovery rather than short-term appearances. He acknowledged the importance of protecting his health to ensure he can continue competing at the highest level, especially with the demanding summer schedule ahead.

This latest setback raises concerns about his readiness for upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, particularly the French Open and Wimbledon. While fans hope he is conserving energy for those marquee events, his absence from another major competition underscores the uncertainty surrounding his fitness and future form.

Carlos Alcaraz on the cusp of breaking a Novak Djokovic record

Carlos Alcaraz is on the verge of rewriting tennis history at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he could surpass Novak Djokovic’s record for clay-court Masters 1000 victories before turning 23. The Spanish world No. 1 already made headlines earlier this year by becoming the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic in the final.

Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic (2)
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K)

After a disappointing Sunshine Double, including a third-round exit in Miami to Sebastian Korda, Alcaraz has bounced back strongly in Monte Carlo. He opened his title defense with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 win over Sebastian Baez, marking his 28th career victory at a Masters 1000 event on clay. At just 22 years old, he now sits within striking distance of Djokovic’s tally of 31 clay Masters wins achieved before his 23rd birthday.

Alcaraz’s path is particularly impressive given that he has missed four clay Masters tournaments since 2023. His current total ties Alexander Zverev and places him just behind Guillermo Coria (29), Albert Costa (32), and Andrei Medvedev (39).

At the top of the list remains Rafael Nadal, who amassed a staggering 62 clay Masters wins before turning 23, along with 10 titles on the surface. While Nadal’s record is out of reach, Alcaraz could climb to third place historically if he secures five more wins across Monte Carlo and Madrid.

Beyond the record chase, Alcaraz is also defending his world No. 1 ranking against Jannik Sinner. His next match will be against either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Terence Atmane, and every victory not only strengthens his hold on the top spot but also brings him closer to overtaking Djokovic in the record books.

Also Read: “I’m Gonna Lose,” Carlos Alcaraz Abruptly Accepts World No.1 Fate Against Jannik Sinner in Monte Carlo