Novak Djokovic 'officially the GOAT' as Serb makes surprising retirement statement

Novak Djokovic has vowed to fight for more Olympic gold in 2028 after his emotional win over Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday. The 37-year-old finally landed the one major title that had eluded him in his illustrious career, beating the Spaniard 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in an intense affair at Roland Garros.

Victory saw Djokovic become just the fifth player, after Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, to win all four Slams and an Olympic singles gold.

The Serbian was reduced to tears afterwards, having previously declared that winning in Paris this summer was his main goal for 2024.

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But he’s now pushed back at the notion that the tournament signified his last appearance at a summer Games. The 24-time Grand Slam winner will be 41 by the time the next edition comes around in Los Angeles, and is already targeting a place on his country’s team for America.

“I still want to play in Los Angeles," he said after beating Alcaraz. "I enjoy playing for my country and the Olympic Games particularly and Davis Cup, being part of the team."

Djokovic also said that winning the coveted gold medal represented one of his greatest achievements. “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,” he added.

Since his win, there has been no shortage of praise for the tennis icon. Serbian footballer Dusan Vlahovic was in attendance for the final, and afterwards lauded the success of his compatriot, insisting that it confirms his status as the greatest player of all time.

“An incredible thing, I'm very glad that I was a part of history and I congratulate Novak,” said the Juventus striker. “I wish him all the luck, I thank him for bringing this gold to Serbia.

“He is our greatest athlete and one of the greatest athletes of all time in general. I’m happy that I was part of history, that he won what he missed. Although as I've been saying before this, now let the whole world say he's officially the GOAT."

Only in June, Djokovic underwent surgery for a torn meniscus, before recovering to compete at the French Open. And his campaign in Paris appeared in doubt after he picked up another knee injury during the early rounds.

But there was little sign of him being hampered as he avenged his Wimbledon final loss to Alcaraz. And he’s already cited his desire to prevail at the US Open next month, as he chases an unprecedented 25th Slam title to take him clear of joint record holder Margaret Court.