Novak Djokovic has long been a dominant force in men’s tennis, his name synonymous with greatness across multiple decades. Now at 38 years old, Djokovic’s longevity continues to astonish fans and analysts alike as speculation builds around his potential participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. While many athletes hang up their rackets well before reaching their late 30s, Djokovic remains an elite competitor on the ATP Tour, proving that age, at least in his case, truly is just a number.
Djokovic’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since turning pro in 2003, he has amassed numerous records, including holding the record for most weeks ranked world No. 1 and winning multiple Grand Slam titles. His relentless work ethic, fitness regime, and tactical brilliance have allowed him to adapt his game continually, enabling success even as the physical toll of professional tennis intensifies with age. The tennis community watches keenly for clues about whether he will aim for the 2028 Olympics, which would see him participating at the ripe age of 41, an age considered past prime for most tennis professionals.
Interestingly, Djokovic is not the oldest player in the ATP Tour Top 100 today. That title belongs to Gaël Monfils, the charismatic Frenchman known as much for his athleticism and showmanship as his competitive spirit. Born in 1986, Monfils is 39 years old and has announced that 2026 will be his final year on tour, signaling the end of an era for one of tennis’s true entertainers. Monfils’s career highlights include multiple ATP titles and memorable runs in Grand Slam tournaments, where his creativity on court, combined with athletic flair, has won him fans worldwide.
The presence of Monfils and Djokovic highlights a broader trend in tennis: players are enjoying longer careers, maintaining high levels of performance into their mid-to-late 30s. This shift is aided not only by advances in sports medicine, nutrition, and training but also by evolving playing styles that reduce wear and tear. Beyond Djokovic and Monfils, several players aged 35 and older continue to compete effectively in the ATP Top 100 rankings.
Frenchman Adrian Mannarino is one such player. At 35, he is renowned for his crafty baseline game and consistency, often outperforming higher-ranked opponents through guile and precision. Similarly, Marin Čilić from Croatia, a former US Open champion, remains a formidable opponent in his late 30s. Čilić’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline play have kept him competitive on the tour long past the average retirement age in tennis.
Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, at 35, is also noteworthy. Though not always in the spotlight, Struff combines a strong serve with aggressive groundstrokes and has proven time and again that experience counts in close matches. Rounding out this group is Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, 37 years old and still a persistent threat on hard courts. Bautista Agut’s tactical skill and stamina have let him remain relevant and competitive in a sport that continually churns out younger talent.
This cohort of players over 35 competing at the highest level is a testament to changing dynamics in professional tennis. Historically, players often retired in their early 30s. Icons like Pete Sampras and Björn Borg stepped away from the sport while still in their 20s or early 30s, mainly due to the physical demands at the time and less advanced medical support. However, modern greats including Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and these veteran players show that longevity has become possible with the right combination of fitness, technique, and mental toughness.
The Olympic Games have always held a special place in tennis history. Tennis was included in the inaugural modern Olympics in 1896 and later became a permanent fixture, save for a brief absence in the mid-20th century. Winning an Olympic medal is a prestigious achievement that complements Grand Slam success, encapsulating national pride in a unique way. Djokovic has already represented Serbia effectively in previous Olympic Games, and his participation in 2028 would add another chapter to his remarkable career.
With the 2028 Olympics scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, a city known for its glamour and sporting heritage, the tennis events promise to be particularly exciting. For Djokovic, making a return to the Olympics at 41 would be unprecedented in modern men’s tennis, where players rarely compete at a high level beyond their mid-30s. Nonetheless, Djokovic has shown resilience and unwavering commitment to the sport, and if anyone could pull off this feat, it might be him.
In a sport increasingly defined by power and precision, these older players also bring a wealth of experience and leadership. They mentor younger teammates, add depth to competition, and exemplify how passion for the game can transcend physical decline. Their presence ensures that tennis remains compelling, as fans witness the clash of youthful exuberance and seasoned wisdom week after week.
In conclusion, the narrative around age in tennis is being rewritten by Novak Djokovic and his peers. Whether Djokovic decides to compete in the 2028 LA Olympics remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his career, alongside other veteran players like Gaël Monfils, Marin Čilić, and Roberto Bautista Agut, proves that perseverance and talent can defy expectations. Their stories inspire fans and young athletes alike, reminding us that greatness can endure long past what was once considered the sunset years of a tennis career. And as the legendary French player Yannick Noah once said, “It’s not how old you are, but how well you ace your age!”