Andy Roddick casts doubt on Novak Djokovic's LA Olympics retirement ambition but applauds his 'smart' political statement after leaving Serbia

Andy Roddick recently questioned Novak Djokovic's stated ambition of retiring from tennis after representing Serbia at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. However, the American, a former rival of the Serb, lauded the 24-time Major champion's statement as a "smart" way to express his loyalty to his native country amid the political backlash that led to him moving to Greece.

Djokovic captured his 101st career singles title at the recently-concluded Hellenic Championship in Athens, Greece. Later, while interacting with reporters at a press conference, the Serb, with a hint of caution, laid bare his 2028 Summer Olympics ambition, saying:

"Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I said about the 2028 Olympics because I wanted to play for so many more years. So maybe ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag, that would be nice."

On a recent episode of the 'Served' podcast, former No. 1 and 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick initially expressed skepticism about Novak Djokovic's intention to play for Serbia at the 2028 LA Olympics. The 43-year-old American said:

"I don’t think so. I hope I’m wrong,. Him saying I want to retire at the 2028 Olympics with a Serbian flag in my hand was the perfect way to address many, many issues that are going on right now. The never-ending question of when are you going to retire? When I want to! I like it, I enjoy it and I’m getting paid $100m-a-year. Oh and by the way, I made the semis of four Slams this year." (from 29:14)

Subsequently though, Roddick was appreciative of Djokovic's words, opining that it was a good way for the latter to bring up his loyalty to Serbia. The Serb has been politically targeted by the ruling dispensation in his home nation after he voiced his support for students protesting against the Serbian government's alleged corruption and misgovernance.

"Two, I know I live in Greece and there is a lot of chatter about him moving to Greece, largely due to political reasons in Serbia. This was a really smart way to say my heart is with Serbia and I want to retire with the Serbian flag in my hand," Roddick added.

Prominent tennis journalist, analyst and insider Jon Wertheim also echoed Roddick's sentiments, saying:

"That was a brilliant bit of political strategy." (at 30:48)

"Greek and Serbian people are like brothers" - Novak Djokovic on moving to Southeast European country with his family

Novak Djokovic celebrates his 2025 Hellenic Championship men's singles trophy in Athens, Greece (Source: Getty)

In a conversation with CNN Greece in the buildup to his Round of 16 match at the 2025 Hellenic Championship, Novak Djokovic explained why he moved to Greece with his family. The Serb steered clear of making any political remarks and instead, cited the friendship between Greeks and Serbians.

"There is a lot of historical, religious, cultural, social ties between Greece and Serbia that are a big part of the reason why I’m here. It is also because of the weather, the food is incredible, you are on one of the nicest coastlines in Europe, in the world. I just love the lifestyle, you know, and I really feel that the Greek and Serbian people are like brothers, so this is the biggest reason," he said.

The former No. 1, soon after clinching the 2025 Hellenic Championship title, decided to pull out from the year-end ATP Finals in Turin, Italy citing a shoulder problem.