Former world No. 3 Nadia Petrova has added a thoughtful voice to the conversation.
What a journey for Novak Djokovic! 🎾🥇
Here’s every match point, from the Serbian’s run to the gold medal #Paris2024. @Paris2024 | @ITFTennis pic.twitter.com/wuGevYYVTA
— The Olympic Games (@Olympic Games) September 5, 2024
The Russian recognized the Serbian’s extraordinary longevity and passion for competition long after he had achieved everything our sport has to offer. Petrova, however, questioned the need to advance to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
From her perspective, Djokovic has already completed the Olympic chapter of his career in Paris last year. The veteran defeated six rivals to claim the elusive gold medal, completing the game of tennis at the age of 37 and writing history books.
With that achievement achieved in style, Nadia sees little sporting motivation in Novak’s desire to remain on the Tour for three more years solely to pursue a repeat of Olympic glory at the age of 41.
Petrova also pointed out the growing physical gap between the veteran and the sport’s new standard-bearers, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Djokovic continues to win titles through intelligence, precision and experience.
However, it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to keep up with the increased physical pace of his main rivals. Over the years, that inequality will only become more difficult to overcome, especially by 2028.
Still, Petrova hasn’t completely dismissed Djokovic’s ambitions, as no one should. She acknowledged the legend’s enduring love for tennis and the right of a champion of his stature to determine his timeline.
Nadia would like to see him win another Major title in 2026, which would be a fitting final chapter to his extraordinary career. Novak would like to defy age and prove his eternal class once again.
The Belgrade native finished the 2025 season in the top 4, achieving that feat for the 17th time. He reached four major semi-finals, fueling his ambition ahead of another strong quest in 2026.
Ultimately, the question is not whether Novak can continue playing. It’s about the chase itself, as only Novak really knows where passion ends and reality begins.
“The next Olympic Games are still a long way away. Besides, Novak has already won the gold medal, so I don’t see the point in him aiming for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He played some fantastic matches this season and won titles.
However, in terms of physical fitness, he still lags behind Carlos and Jannik. Over time, it will become increasingly difficult for him to challenge them in that segment.
It would be fantastic if, by some miracle, he finally wins another Major in 2026 and ends his career on a high note. Anyway, Novak loves tennis so much, and only he knows how long he can play,” said Nadia Petrova.
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