Novak Djokovic says he has no intention of leaving the sport after achieving the Golden Slam in tennis at the Olympics on Sunday.
The 37-year-old Serbian ousted Carlos Alcaraz in a tightly contested match at Roland Garros to clinch his first-ever gold medal. Djokovic is only the fifth player to have won every Grand Slam and the Olympics at least once in singles. His success comes after what has been a mixed start to the season. Before playing in Paris, he had yet to beat a top 10 player or win a tournament.
“This is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had and the most special feeling,” Djokovic told reporters in France.
“I thought carrying the flag at the opening ceremony for my country at the 2012 Olympics was the best feeling an athlete could have until today (Sunday).
“Now at the age of 37 and facing a 21-year-old who is probably the best player in the world right now, winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back, I can say that this is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had.”
After claiming a title he has been chasing after for years, an age-defying Djokovic doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon. Even though he has won a record 24 Grand Slam titles. He has already outlined his desire to play at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles which would be his sixth Olympic appearance.
“Look, I still, I want to play in Los Angeles,” said Djokovic. “I enjoy playing for my country in Olympic Games particularly and Davis Cup.”
The statement drew an instant reaction from Viktor Troicki who was present at Djokovoc’s press conference. Troicki is Serbia’s team captain at the games.
“He’s making fun of my calendar goals, playing in Los Angeles. I don’t know if he’s laughing because he thinks it’sunrealistic or he’s like, okay, another four years with this guy.” The world No.2 joked of his compatriot.
Four years is a long time, especially in sports, and a lot could happen over this period. No matter what happens, Djokovic can take comfort in achieving his career goal.
He will now take a brief break before preparing for the US Open which will start at the end of this month.
