Djokovic rules out retirement, sets sights on competing at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has confirmed that the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are firmly in his sights, as he shared his ambitions while attending the World Sports Summit in Dubai.

Speaking during his appearance at the global gathering, Djokovic reflected on his storied career and underlined his continued motivation to compete at the highest level.

Djokovic, 38, said there was ‘no limit’ to his ambitions for the years ahead, while acknowledging that the prospect of defending the Olympic title he won in Paris remains firmly in his thoughts.

“I do want to keep going,” said the record 24-time Grand Slam champion.

“The LA 2028 Olympics are something of a guiding star for me, but honestly, there is no limit. Let’s see how it unfolds. For now, I just want to keep moving forward.”

The Serbian great emphasised that his motivation is rooted in passion rather than milestones. “

I still love hitting the tennis ball and I love competing,” he said. “I was telling some of the football legends I spoke to that it really comes down to love for the game. As long as you feel you’re performing at a high level and your body supports you, why stop?”

Djokovic also brushed aside speculation about retirement, insisting his journey is far from over. “People like to talk and speculate—that’s natural,” he said.

“But I truly feel I’m still contributing to the growth of tennis. To be able to do that, and to keep playing the sport I love, is a beautiful thing.”

Djokovic highlighted the special significance of competing for one’s country, noting that the Olympics occupy a different place from Grand Slam tournaments.

He expressed his determination to maintain his physical condition and competitive edge in the years ahead in order to pursue another Olympic appearance in Los Angeles.

The World Sports Summit, which brings together leading athletes, sports executives and policymakers from around the world, provided the ideal platform for Djokovic to discuss the future of global sport and his own ongoing journey.

His presence in Dubai added further star power to the summit, reinforcing its status as a key international forum for shaping the next chapter of sport.

Djokovic participated in a keynote session titled ‘Sustainability in Sport: Exploring New Horizons for Physical Abilities.’

During the session, Djokovic recalled how he developed a passion for the sport early in life, and the most important milestones in his successful career.

He emphasised the importance of providing support and training for promising talents from a young age and giving them greater opportunities to showcase their abilities to the world.

In 2025, Djokovic faced setbacks, falling to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, and to Carlos Alcaraz at the same stage of the US Open. However, he triumphed memorably over Alcaraz in the gold medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a victory that added another remarkable chapter to his storied career.

The second day of the Summit will get underway on December 30 with a session featuring mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. The future of combat sports will be discussed in a session moderated by Rio Ferdinand, former England and Manchester United star.

The next session will feature former Italian football star Roberto Baggio and his daughter Valentina, along with Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero, a 2006 World Cup winner.

Another session will host several American football stars, including Reggie Bush, Baron Davis, Marquez Colston and Swin Cash, with discussions revolving around the interplay between sporting careers and sports management.

The fourth session will highlight the role of sports championships and stars in the evolution of the global fashion industry, with the speakers including Jamie Wynne, president of Jimmy Choo; American football star Victor Cruz; and Michael Utley, commercial director of AC Milan.

DUBAI TO HOST FIFA BEST AWARDS in 2026: Dubai will host the global governing body’s Best Awards ceremony ⁠next year.

The FIFA Best Awards honour the top men’s and women’s players, as well as coaches and teams, as voted for by fans, media representatives, captains and national team coaches.

“I can announce here a new partnership we have closed together to honour the best players, coaches and teams, here in Dubai,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.

“We have enjoyed the sport, and now we will enjoy even more the unity ⁠the sport brings to the entire world.”

France forward Ousmane Dembele was named men’s player of the year and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the women’s award in 2025.