From Paris gold to Los Angeles 2028 Dreams

Novak Djokovic has collected 72 notable ATP titles since 2007, leaving Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer miles behind. The 72nd and probably the most cherished one came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the Serb winning an elusive gold medal on the fifth attempt.

Thus, Djokovic became a proud owner of all 15 notable titles of our sport, winning 14 of them multiple times! Despite the recent success, Novak intends to continue, hoping to compete in Los Angeles 2028 at 41! The greatest player of all time described his desire for tennis at 37, still loving the game and everyday training and improvements.

Djokovic cemented his GOAT status with three Major titles from four finals in 2023. Novak could not follow that pace this season, falling to Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne and London and withdrawing from Paris ahead of the quarter-final.

Djokovic left Wimbledon without lifting a trophy or notching a top-10 win this season.

The veteran changed that at the Olympic Games, adding the desired title to his cabinet and writing tennis history.

The success came two months following a knee procedure. Novak injured his right knee at Roland Garros in June, prevailing over Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo in five sets before withdrawing ahead of the quarter-final duel with Casper Ruud.

Djokovic underwent a procedure on June 5 and started the race against time ahead of Wimbledon. The Serb hit the gym a week after the setback, looking eager to compete at the All England Club. The seven-time champion traveled to London with protection over his troubled knee and entered the draw after feeling good on the practice court.

Novak made a convincing start before struggling a bit against Jacob Fearnley and Alexei Popyrin. The veteran passed those obstacles in four sets, not playing at his best but moving into the second week.

Novak Djokovic is ready to extend his career.

Djokovic played better against Holger Rune in the last 16 and received a couple of days off the court when his next rival, Alex de Minaur, withdrew due to an injury.

Novak battled against Lorenzo Musetti in the semi-final and ousted the young gun in straight sets after a rock-solid performance, rushing to the net and taming his strokes nicely. Like a year ago, Carlos Alcaraz was Djokovic’s opponent in the Wimbledon final.

Chasing the eighth All England Club crown, Novak suffered a heavy 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 loss in two hours and 27 minutes, finishing runner-up. The Serb went to Montenegro to recharge batteries before stepping on the clay court. Djokovic turned his focus on the Olympic Games, throwing everything at winning the missing title for his country and himself.

Jannik Sinner withdrew, and Novak led the draw ahead of Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic stormed over Matthew Ebden in the first round, sealing the deal in 53 minutes and arranging his 60th clash against Rafael Nadal.

Two great rivals met for the first time in over two years, and Djokovic scored a 6-1, 6-4 triumph, beating Nadal for the 32nd time.

Novak was the favorite, and he proved that in the opening set. The Serb overpowered his opponent on serve and return, taking it 6-1 and gathering a boost. Not stopping there, Djokovic raced into a 4-0 lead in the second set, rattling off ten of the first 11 games.

Nadal raised his level and delivered back-to-back breaks, erasing the deficit and locking the result at 4-4. However, Novak stayed focused and grabbed another break in game nine before sealing the deal on his serve at 5-4. Djokovic defeated Dominik Koepfer in the third round, moving into the quarter-final.

The Serb felt the pain in his troubled knee against Stefanos Tsitsipas, trailing in the second set and not looking good.

However, Novak earned a 6-3, 7-6 triumph, overcoming a 5-2 deficit in the second set and battling off three match points en route to his fourth Olympic Games semi-final.

Seeking his first victory after three losses in 2008, 2012 and 2021, Djokovic ousted Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-2 for a place in the gold medal clash. Novak secured a late break in the opening set and delivered four in set number two, controlling the pace and setting the title clash against Carlos Alcaraz.

Two great rivals presented the match of the tournament, with Djokovic prevailing 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and 50 minutes after an incredible encounter. Thus, the Serb earned the gold medal, completing the game and becoming a proud owner of all 15 notable titles of our sport!

The rivals stayed neck and neck from start to finish, defending all 14 break points and embracing two tie breaks. The more experienced player performed better in both, firing up his forehand and becoming an Olympic Games champion at 37!

“Is my career complete now? Yes and no. I have accomplished everything, but I still feel love for the game. I do not play tennis only to win. I really like the competition and the drive for everyday training and improvements, even at this age. I want to play in Los Angeles in four years,” Novak Djokovic said