Novak Djokovic declared “everything is on the cards” when asked about the prospect of playing at the 2028 Olympics, but admitted he does not know “how many cards” he has left.

The world No 1 expressed his excitement at the thought of playing at the Olympics in Los Angeles, but divulged it is “becoming harder and harder” to keep playing despite his love for tennis.

Djokovic will make his first appearance since the Australian Open at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters, where he will face world No 69 Aleksandar Vukic in his opening match in the second round on Saturday. He is a five-time champion in Indian Wells and has not played the event since 2019.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner fell to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open — his first loss at the Melbourne major since 2018.

The Serbian intends to make his fifth appearance at the Olympics at the 2024 Paris Games, which will be staged on clay courts at Stade Roland Garros from 27 July to 4 August.

An Olympic gold medal is the only big title in the sport that has eluded the 36-year-old during his glittering career. Djokovic will be 41 by the time the 2028 Los Angeles Games comes around.

In his pre-tournament press conference in Indian Wells, Djokovic was asked about the possibility of featuring at the 2028 Olympics.

“Everything is on the cards. I just don’t know how many cards I have left, you know. Let’s see. It’s still very far to think about Los Angeles Olympic Games,” the Serbian said.

“But the thought of it excites me, of course. Love to play that. As we know, Olympics come every four years. I can’t really commit to that yet.

“I think I’ll take it year by year and just see how [my] body serves me, how passionate and committed I am really, how much motivation do I really have to do what I’ve done most of my life – day in, day out.

“It’s becoming harder and harder. But I still love this sport and still have been competing at the highest level and still No 1.”

Djokovic’s best result at the Olympics came on his debut at the 2008 Games in Beijing, where he defeated James Blake in the bronze medal match after losing to Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals. The Serbian lost the bronze medal match at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics, while he fell in the first round in 2016.