Novak Djokovic set to play Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028 if he doesn't achieve Paris dream: "I believe it's possible"

Novak Djokovic confirmed his intention to play in the Rome Open and pointed to the Grand Slams and Olympic Games as his major goals for the year. The world No. 1 has not had the 2024 season he had hoped for, with a semifinal exit at the Australian Open against Jannik Sinner, followed by surprising defeats in the round of 32 at Indian Wells against Luca Nardi, and in the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Masters against Casper Ruud.

The Serbian has not been satisfied with his performance this year, and the adverse results have led him to decide to skip tournaments like the Miami Open and this week's Madrid Open. Without Djokovic's presence in Madrid, it's evident that the world No. 1 plans to have a reduced schedule this year.

Djokovic was at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid and received the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for a record-equalling fifth time. The Serbian had a dream season in 2023, winning the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open, completing 24 Grand Slam titles and becoming the male tennis player with the most Grand Slam titles, surpassing his rival Rafael Nadal (22).

However, the start of 2024 has not been as expected for Djokovic, who withdrew from the Madrid Open but hopes to continue playing the tournament in the coming years. 'Hopefully next year, since I am young and have a lot of time left, I can play,' the 36-year-old said. 'I am preparing my body for Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the Games, and the US Open, the most important block of the season for me.'

Djokovic also mentioned that he does expect to participate in the Italian Open, which begins on May 6: 'I intend to play in Rome. This year has been different, I have not had my best level of tennis.'

Another major goal for the Serbian is to win the gold medal for his country at the Olympic Games, and this year in Paris, which will be played on the courts of Roland Garros, he will have a great opportunity to finally achieve it. However, Paris may not be his last chance, as Nole hopes to continue playing at the next edition in Los Angeles four years later.

“I think about it and I believe it’s possible, if I didn’t think about it I wouldn’t play. You always have to believe that everything is possible in life,” he said. “Who knows if I will have the opportunity to play in other Games. I said I want to play in Los Angeles 2028, but you never know at this stage how far you can go.”