LA 2028 next? Novak Djokovic headlines golden homecoming for Serbian Olympic medalists

A hero’s welcome for a herculean achievement.

On Monday evening, Novak Djokovic was front and center for a special homecoming in Belgrade. And rightfully so, after the 24-time major winner brought home one of three gold medals for his nation at the Paris Olympics.

Athletes were welcomed at City Hall in celebration of their Olympic performances at the latest Games, which officially closed Sunday. In a spectacular final matchup on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros on August 4, Djokovic edged Carlos Alcaraz to clinch the one piece of hardware missing from his trophy cabinet.

“For me, this is the realization of a boyhood dream, the pressure to win the gold was huge because I won more or less everything. I feel fulfilled, complete, let's celebrate!” Djokovic was quoted as saying at the ceremony.

The 37-year-old was joined by the likes of the Nikola Jaksic-led men’s water polo team that completed a spectacular three-peat in Paris, mixed 10m air pistol Olympic champions Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec, silver medalist in taekwondo Aleksandra Perisic, and the bronze medal winning men’s basketball squad that boasted three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

Djokovic became just the fifth tennis player, male or female, to complete a Career Golden Slam in singles and now owns two medals after earning bronze at 2008 Beijing. Could a third be in his future?

“I'll try to make it to Los Angeles. I'd like to,” he stated. “The greatest pleasure is representing Serbia at the Olympic Games.”

But first, the current world No. 2 will turn his attention to the US Open. Djokovic is the reigning champion and looks to make another run at winning an all-time record 25^th major after coming up just short to Alcaraz in July’s Wimbledon final.