Novak Djokovic has won most of tennis’ major titles, including a record 24 grand slam titles and a win in every major ATP tournament. However, one of elite sports’ most recognized accolades has evaded the Serbian since he set foot on the professional tennis circuit in 2003.
The Olympic gold medal has long been a revered achievement in the world of sports, inspiring athletes to train relentlessly for a chance to claim one every four years. Novak Djokovic, however, has yet to secure this elusive prize, with his best Olympic result being a bronze medal for Serbia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Now, as rumors swirl about Djokovic’s potential departure from professional tennis, he has dropped hints about his retirement ambitions and the conditions he would require.
Novak Djokovic aims for Olympic glory
Novak Djokovic has participated in four Olympics overall, with only 2008 providing a medal for him. It is the 36-year-old’s dream to be listed among tennis greats like Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal, who have won all four grand slam titles and an Olympic gold medal.
Representing Serbia has been one of Novak’s biggest motivators in tennis, and he has led his national team to glory in the Davis Cup. His attempts at repeating the feat in the quadrennial Olympics have not come to fruition, and Novak Djokovic has singled out the achievement as his primary goal ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I always have goals, you know, to win another Slam, to be No. 1 again, to finish the year as No. 1,” he said.
“Those are let’s say the big goals. Of course, next year are the Olympic Games. I really want to do well in the Olympic Games, represent my country. Davis Cup is something that still gives me a lot of inspiration.”
Djokovic is set to lead his nation in pursuit of their potential second Davis Cup title when they face Great Britain in the quarterfinals in November. With fellow GOAT candidate Nadal having already secured an Olympic gold, Novak will find the motivation needed to add another prestigious achievement to his list next year.
Djokovic reveals future exit criteria from tennis
Novak Djokovic recently revealed his thoughts on a possible retirement from tennis, stating that as long as he remained a top contender for grand slam events, he would prolong his career on the court.
“Some of them think when you figure out you can’t win the biggest tournaments anymore and that you’re losing to the young guys, then you leave it. I’m more in the second group. As long as I’m, you know, the main contender for the Grand Slams and win the biggest tournaments in sport, I will not leave,” he said.
Novak has had an impressive 2023 season, with three grand slams to his name, a final appearance in the other slam, an ATP title, and a 46-5 record in the year.
With his father having called on Djokovic to retire from the game, the Serbian is evidently motivated and driven enough to feature in many more slams and possibly win them too.
What are your opinions on Novak Djokovic’s possible retirement? Let us know in the comments section below.
