Novak Djokovic drops big hint about his dream retirement stage that's still years away after achieving 'all possible goals' 

Novak Djokovic recently dropped a big hint on where he would like to pull the curtains down on his legendary tennis-playing career. The Serb's admission came in the aftermath of his 101st career singles title triumph at the recently concluded Hellenic Championship in Athens, Greece.

Following his 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Lorenzo Musetti in the final of the ATP 250 event in Athens, the former No. 1 attended a press conference. Here, while taking questions in Serbian, the 38-year-old was asked about his retirement plans. In response, the 24-time Major champion laid bare his desire to retire after proudly representing Serbia at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

"I’ve always had this throughout my life and my career, I’ve always had a schedule in my head for a year or more, what I want, how I want it. 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," the Serb said. (translated from Serbian)

However, acknowledging his age, Novak Djokovic concluded his admission on a cautious note, opining that not everything is in his control despite his best efforts to stay physically and mentally fit.

"I don’t know, I mean, I really don’t know, because there are some things that are not entirely in my control. I’m trying to be as healthy as possible mentally and physically," he added.

Novak Djokovic claimed maiden Olympic gold medal in 2024

Novak Djokovic celebrates his men's singles gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics (Source: Getty)

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Novak Djokovic stormed into the men's singles gold medal match after registering straight-set victories against Matthew Ebden, Rafael Nadal, Dominik Koepfer, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Lorenzo Musetti. In the final, he faced Carlos Alcaraz.

The Serb went on to produce a remarkable performance against the Spaniard, who, at the time, was arguably the favorite on paper to clinch the gold medal. After his 7-6(3), 7-6(2) win over Alcaraz, Djokovic, overwhelmed by emotions, turned tearful. The feat was widely perceived as the Serb 'completing tennis'. Later, he termed it his greatest accomplishment in the sport, saying:

"Just kind of sharing my thoughts, my emotions and experiences of reflection on what is for me, I think now when I look back, the greatest achievement and greatest highlight of my career overall, winning the gold for Serbia."

The 38-year-old's 2025 tennis season came to an end with his Athens triumph, as he withdrew from this year's ATP Finals citing an ongoing shoulder problem.