Former WTA Tour star Nadia Petrova has cast doubt on Novak Djokovic’s ambition to retire after the 2028 Olympic Games, questioning whether the Serbian can physically sustain his level until then.
Ongoing Debate Over Djokovic’s Future
Djokovic’s long-term future has been a regular topic of discussion in recent months, particularly with his former ‘Big 3’ rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, already retired.
Now 38, Djokovic has adopted a reduced schedule, playing just 13 tournaments in 2025. He has not won a Grand Slam since 2023, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner emerging as the dominant forces from the start of 2024.
Still Competing at the Elite Level
Despite the lighter calendar, Djokovic continues to perform at an elite standard. In 2025, he:
-
Finished the season ranked world No. 4
-
Won two titles
-
Reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments
These results underline his continued competitiveness at the top of the game.
Olympic Ambition Remains Clear
Earlier in 2025, Djokovic confirmed that he is targeting the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as the endpoint of his career, having already achieved his long-sought Olympic gold at Paris 2024.
Speaking after winning the Hellenic Championship in Athens in November, Djokovic reiterated his mindset:
“I’ve always had a schedule in my head for a year or more…
Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I mentioned the 2028 Olympics. Ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag — that would be nice.”
Djokovic would be 41 years old by the time of the Los Angeles Games, raising questions about physical sustainability.
Petrova Raises Physical Concerns
Petrova, a former world No. 3 in both singles and doubles and a London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, believes the challenge will only grow tougher.
Speaking to Championat, she said (translated from Russian):
“The next Olympics are still a long way off.
He already won gold, so I don’t see the point in racing for another Olympics.He had some great matches this season, but physically he was inferior to Alcaraz and Sinner — and it will only get harder with each passing year.”
Petrova added that a final Grand Slam victory would be an ideal ending:
“It would be great if, by some miracle, he wins another Grand Slam next year and ends his career on a high note.
But Novak loves tennis — only he knows how much longer he can play.”
Preparing for the 2026 Season
Djokovic is currently deep into pre-season preparations ahead of his 2026 campaign.
-
Season opener: Adelaide International (ATP 500) — a tournament he won in 2023
-
Next target: Australian Open, where he will chase a record-extending 11th title and a 25th Grand Slam crown
