Novak Djokovic has hinted he won't retire from tennis until 2028 at the earliest as Wimbledon creeps closer.
The 38-year-old is currently preparing for the third Grand Slam of the year as he looks to triumph at the All England Club for a record-equally eighth time.
Djokovic has reached the last two finals of Wimbledon as he looks to emulate Roger Federer in the capital.
However, the veteran has been beaten by Carlos Alcaraz on both occasions - with the Spaniard emerging as one of the best players in the world in recent years.
Novak Djokovic has hinted he won't retire from tennis until 2028 at the earliest as Wimbledon creeps closer
GETTY
Djokovic, last summer, finally secured his first Olympic gold medal after beating Alcaraz at Roland Garros.
It was an emotional moment for the Serbian, who cried on the court after etching his name into the history books.
Djokovic doesn't appear to be operating at the level of years gone by, having last won a Grand Slam back in 2023.
In a new interview with Slaven Billic, however, he's now suggested he won't retire from tennis until 2028 at the earliest.
JUST IN: Kieran Trippier's mystery woman revealed with England star's wife 'happier without him'
That's because he's determined to defend his Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles, insisting it's the 'only thing that motivates him'.
He said: “The only thing on my mind right now, and the only thing that motivates me, is the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“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."
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy makes admission about wife Erica Stoll after struggling at US Open
Novak Djokovic poses with his gold medal at last summer's Paris Olympics
GETTY
Some wonder why Djokovic is still playing.
He has, after all, 24 Grand Slams to his name - which is more than any other player in history.
The next generation is starting to come through, with Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner set to start Wimbledon as the two favourites following their outstanding French Open final earlier this month.
And former rivals Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have already walked off into the sunset.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
But Djokovic insists he still cares passionately about tennis, even though he's got nothing left to prove.
“Above all, for me, it’s love and passion for the sport," he said.
“I love tennis, and I still love picking up a racket. The kid in me who fell in love with tennis is still there; I still feel that connection.
“If I didn’t have that passion and desire to compete, I wouldn’t continue, but I still love going out on the court and winning with a racket in my hands. That fire is still inside me."
Novak Djokovic has lost the last two finals to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon
PA
Wimbledon commences on June 30.
He first won at the All England Club in 2011, when he defeated defending Nadal in four sets.
His last victory at Wimbledon came when he overcame Nick Kyrgios in 2022.
Most Read
