“He will leave when he is no longer one of the best players in the world,” Andy Roddick gasped on his podcast back in August, hinting at the relentless greatness of Novak Djokovic. True to those words, the Serbian continues to defy time at 38, still ruling the courts with unmatched hunger. Fresh from his Athens triumph over Lorenzo Musetti, his 101st career title, Djokovic once again carved his name atop tennis history. Now, as he enjoys a rare pause at home after opting out of the ATP Finals, the legend has revealed his intent to end his journey at 41, on the grandest stage of them all.

Speaking after conquering Lorenzo Musetti to claim the ATP 250 crown in Athens, Novak Djokovic once again reignited the fire of his long-held dream, to bring the curtain down on his career at the 2028 Olympic Games. “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,” he told reporters, his words laced with both reflection and resolve. Even as his ambitions remained sky-high, there was a quiet acknowledgment that the road ahead might demand more patience than power.

He continued with a touch of sentiment that revealed just how much the dream means to him. “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.” His voice carried both pride and nostalgia, a man who has conquered everything yet still yearns for one final act beneath the Olympic rings.

But then came a flicker of uncertainty, rare from someone so calculated and composed. “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.” For a player who has built his empire on discipline and dominance, these words hinted at the delicate balance between ambition and mortality.

This wasn’t the first time Djokovic had envisioned the Olympic stage as his farewell arena. Back in June, the 24-time Grand Slam champion told football manager Slaven Bilić that he wanted to compete in his sixth Games, a journey that began with a bronze medal in Beijing 2008. “The only thing that at this moment, professionally speaking, I have in my vision at this point,” Djokovic said in an interview. “And it’s interesting when we talk about these achievements and the Olympics that stand out and redemption, the only thing that I have in my head, which gives me motivation, is the Olympics of 2028 in Los Angeles. And playing for the national team and Grand Slams. But not even the Grand Slams, not as much as the Olympics.”

Having completed his grand collection by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the Paris 2024 Olympic final, Djokovic stands as the only man to have lifted every major title, all four Grand Slams, the Davis Cup, the ATP Finals, and every Masters 1000. The last frontier, perhaps, is time itself.

When tennis descends upon the Tennis Center in Carson for LA 2028, the stage could bear witness to the final bow of a man who redefined greatness. 

Yet, as he recently revealed, Djokovic’s decision to skip the ATP Finals hints that his focus now lies beyond rankings or trophies, it’s about preservation, purpose, and one last dance under the Olympic flame.

Novak Djokovic reveals reason behind ATP Finals withdrawal

Despite being set to face Taylor Fritz, a rival he’s beaten 11 times without any reply, Novak Djokovic shocked the tennis world by withdrawing from the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year. The seven-time champion’s decision sent tremors through Turin and beyond, his absence leaving a void in the tournament’s aura of greatness.

Djokovic made the announcement himself, breaking the silence with a heartfelt message on social media that stirred fans worldwide. “I was really looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best, but after today’s final in Athens, I’m sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury,” he wrote with raw honesty and emotion.

“I’m truly sorry to the fans who were hoping to see me play – your support means so much. I wish all the players an amazing tournament, and I can’t wait to be back on the court with you all soon!” he added in his Instagram story, his sincerity echoing the weight of his decision.

The announcement came mere hours after Djokovic lifted the Hellenic Championship trophy in Athens, grinding past Lorenzo Musetti in a bruising two-hour, 59-minute duel. For Musetti, it was a bittersweet night, heartbreak in defeat, yet opportunity in disguise.

As fate would have it, Djokovic’s withdrawal opened a backdoor for the young Italian into the season-ending showpiece in Turin. In his post-match press conference, Musetti revealed the surreal moment he learned the news. “Novak told me on the court that he won’t be going to Turin. Not sure how to feel now after losing the final, but Novak told me that. It’s better that the Race to Turin will stop after Paris next year,” he said, torn between admiration and melancholy.

For Djokovic, the choice was one of wisdom, not weakness, a pause in pursuit of longevity. The 24-time Grand Slam champion now turns his focus to healing and rebuilding for one more charge at history.

As the Serbian enters his offseason, the whispers grow louder: can he rise again in 2026 to conquer the sport’s Everest and claim his 25th Slam? 

In the age of Alcaraz and Sinner, the answer remains uncertain, but if time has taught us anything, it’s this: never bet against Novak Djokovic.