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Novak Djokovic has received an encouraging vote of confidence from former rival and coach Andy Murray, who believes the Serbian’s ambition to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics would be “great for tennis.”
Djokovic, who will turn 41 during the Los Angeles Games, has previously expressed his desire to continue competing until the next Olympics. The target would give the 24-time Grand Slam champion another opportunity to add to his remarkable legacy after winning his first Olympic singles gold medal in Paris in 2024.
Novak Djokovic’s Olympic Plan Earns Strong Support
Murray discussed Djokovic’s long-term plans while speaking to TNT Sports during the Laver Cup. Although the two men spent much of their careers as fierce competitors, Murray later coached Djokovic for six months, creating an unusual partnership between two former members of tennis’s “Big Four.”
“He’s obviously said that I think he wants to play through until the Olympics in LA, which is obviously great for tennis if he wants to keep going,” Murray said.
The comments arrive at a significant point in Djokovic’s career. His pursuit of a 25th major title has continued without success, and he recently suffered a surprise first-round defeat at the US Open. He also faced physical difficulties during his China Open opener before securing a victory over Nuno Borges.
Those results have prompted renewed questions about how long Djokovic can remain at the highest level. However, Murray believes the veteran’s mental strength should never be underestimated.
A Historic Chance for Djokovic in Los Angeles
Djokovic’s potential appearance in Los Angeles could create a rare piece of Olympic history. Murray is currently the only tennis player to win back-to-back Olympic singles gold medals, achieving the feat at London 2012 and Rio 2016.
Asked whether Djokovic could repeat that achievement, Murray admitted that the possibility had not previously occurred to him but said he would not be surprised if the Serbian managed it.
“He’s pretty much got every single record out there,” Murray said. “I wouldn’t put it past him to achieve something like that. He’s got such a strong mind that when he really commits to something and wants to achieve something, yeah.”
Djokovic’s Paris triumph was one of the defining moments of his career. It completed his collection of major tennis honors and came after several previous attempts to win Olympic gold. A second consecutive singles title would further separate him from the rest of the sport’s all-time greats.
Murray Raises Important Fitness Concerns
While backing Djokovic’s ambition, Murray also offered a realistic warning about the challenges of competing at that age. Professional tennis places enormous demands on the body, and Djokovic has dealt with physical setbacks during the past 18 months.
“Once you get to that stage of your career, you don’t know what’s going to happen six months from now,” Murray explained. “It’s very hard to predict because the body has so much wear and tear on it.”
Murray added that Djokovic had experienced physical problems recently and said he hoped the 24-time major winner could remain healthy enough to finish his career on his own terms.
That balance between admiration and caution reflects the uncertainty surrounding Djokovic’s future. His motivation remains evident, but the demanding tennis calendar leaves little room for extended recovery periods. Every tournament will now be measured not only by results but also by how well he manages his fitness.
Olympic Tennis Could Feature a New Generation
Djokovic may not be the only major storyline in Los Angeles. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are expected to be leading contenders for their first Olympic gold medals by 2028. Their presence could create a compelling clash between the sport’s established legend and its next generation of champions.
- Novak Djokovic won Olympic singles gold in Paris in 2024.
- Andy Murray remains the only player with consecutive Olympic singles titles.
- Djokovic hopes to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- The tennis competition is scheduled to begin just three days after Wimbledon.
The tight scheduling could affect which players enter the Olympic tournament. The short turnaround from Wimbledon may increase concerns about fatigue, travel and injury management, particularly for athletes competing deep into the Grand Slam.
For now, Djokovic’s plans remain an ambition rather than a guarantee. Yet Murray’s support underlines the significance of seeing one of tennis’s greatest champions continue chasing major milestones. If Djokovic stays healthy and maintains his competitive drive, Los Angeles could provide one final historic stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Novak Djokovic plan to play at the 2028 Olympics?
Yes. Djokovic has previously indicated that he wants to continue competing until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he would be 41 years old.
What did Andy Murray say about Djokovic’s Olympic ambition?
Murray called Djokovic’s plan “great for tennis” and said he would not be surprised if the Serbian won another Olympic singles gold medal.
How many Olympic singles gold medals has Djokovic won?
Djokovic has won one Olympic singles gold medal. He captured the title at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Why could the 2028 Olympic tennis schedule be challenging?
The tennis competition is scheduled to begin three days after Wimbledon, potentially creating concerns about recovery, travel and player workload.
