One of Novak Djokovic’s main goals for next season will be chasing an elusive Olympic gold medal even though the 24-time grand slam champion knows he will have to be
physically and mentally ready to cope with a
crammed schedule.

Djokovic won the bronze in Beijing 2008 and fell short in London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo two years ago, but the Serbian, who will turn 37 before the next Games begin, is still fighting fit after claiming three grand slam titles in 2023.

The world No. 1 also made the Wimbledon final earlier this year, where he was beaten in five sets by Carlos Alcaraz, and he is in no mood to slow down.

“My plan for now is to play the Olympic Games, so I’m hoping that I will be able to play, that I will be ready physically and mentally,” Djokovic told reporters in Valencia, where he turned up to play in the Davis Cup just days after his US Open triumph.

“It’s going to be a very congested and challenging schedule next year, with Roland Garros on clay, Wimbledon on grass, the Olympics on clay and then the US Open and the tournaments before that on hardcourts.

“It’s going to be challenging for players, but my plan is to play the Olympics, because it’s one of the most important events in the history of the sport.

“That’s where you also represent the country and the feeling of being part of it is a huge honour.”

Djokovic missed Serbia’s 3-0 victory over South Korea in the Finals group stage this week as he was travelling but took on Spain.

He registered a 6-3, 6-4 win over Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, thereby clinching the tie for Serbia and securing the nation its place in the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga in November.

“Playing for Serbia, for my country, is something completely different. It’s a huge responsibility and pressure, but also an incredible privilege and honour,” he said after the win.