Novak Djokovic officially cleared for Olympics participation as he leads Serbia at the Davis Cup

Djokovic punches his ticket to 2024 Paris Olympics.

Novak Djokovic officially cleared for Olympics participation as he leads Serbia at the Davis Cup

Novak Djokovic at the US Open (Credits : Imago)

Novak Djokovic scripted history last Sunday as he won a record-extending 24th Grand Slam by claiming the US Open 2023 title at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. But, the new world no.1 is in no mood to rest and isn’t stopping anytime soon. After taking a short detour to his home country for title celebrations, Djokovic has returned to the tour with the Serbian Davis Cup team in Valencia.

The 36-year-old continued his winning ways with a 6-3, 6-4 Davis Cup win against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Friday. Djokovic’s victory clinched the tie for Serbia and secured the nation its place in the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga in November. This was the third encounter between the pair this year, with Djokovic winning all 3.

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With his participation in the Davis Cup, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has also ensured his participation in next year’s Summer Olympics. To be eligible for participation in singles competition in the men’s Olympics, athletes must follow the ITF (International Tennis Federation) eligibility rules, including participation in the Davis Cup.

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Olympic Gold in men’s singles has remained elusive for Djokovic and some would argue it is the last piece of the jigsaw in cementing his GOAT status. After winning a Bronze in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he lost in the bronze medal match in 2012 and 2021.

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Novak Djokovic’s record at the Olympics

Djokovic’s first appearance at the Olympics came in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Seeded third in singles, Djokovic lost in the semi-finals to Rafael Nadal. Djokovic then defeated James Blake, the loser of the other semi-final, in the bronze medal match.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in Olympics Medal ceremony
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in Olympics Medal ceremony (Credits: Olympics)

His next appearance came at the 2012 London Olympics. The tournament was played on grass courts. Djokovic defeated French fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and advanced to the semi-finals, where he was beaten by Andy Murray in straight sets. In the bronze medal match, he lost to Juan Martín del Potro, finishing fourth. Djokovic was beaten in the first round of the Olympic men’s singles in Rio de Janeiro too by Juan Martín del Potro.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Djokovic lost in the semifinals to Alexander Zverev, and then to Pablo Carreño Busta in the bronze medal match. Djokovic also competed in mixed doubles partnering Nina Stojanović; the pair lost in the semifinals to Aslan Karatsev and Elena Vesnina. He then withdrew from their bronze medal match against WTA singles No. 1 Ashleigh Barty and John Peers, with Djokovic citing a shoulder injury.

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