Novak Djokovic despite being an Olympic medal winner doesn’t receive a pension as per policy, Serbian Federation explains the reason

Djokovic does not receive a pension from the Serbian state due to a mistake by the Tennis Association of Serbia.

Novak Djokovic despite being an Olympic medal winner doesn’t receive a pension as per policy, Serbian Federation explains the reason

(R) Novak Djokovic and (M) Rafael Nadal at 2008 Olympics (Credits:Getty Images)

Gold Medal in the Olympics has been the only major title that has eluded the grasp of 23-time Grand Slam Champion Novak Djokovic. The Serbian legend won his first and only Olympics medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won the bronze. Djokovic was hoping to win the gold and complete a Career Golden Slam at Tokyo Olympics, something only two men—Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi—have ever done. But he was left without a medal when he lost the singles bronze medal match to Pablo Carreno Busta.

To add salt to Djokovic’s still open wounds of missing out on the Gold, he won’t be receiving a pension from the Serbian state, even though he duly fulfilled the conditions for it. The reason is a very trivial one – a mistake by the Tennis Association of Serbia. According to Serbian Laws, deserving athletes become “pensioners” from the age of 35. But, unfortunately for Djokovic, The Tennis Federation of Serbia did not submit the documentation for Novak’s bronze from Beijing on time.

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Djokovic said that if everything was done according to the rules, he should have become a “pensioner” on May 22, 2022, that is, the day he turned 35. Djokovic’s disappointment with the federation is justified as the Federations benefit from players winning medals at the Olympics. After Djokovic’s hard work winning the medal, the least that was expected from the Federation was to submit the papers on time. (H/T: sportklub)

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Meanwhile, Djokovic would’ve another chance to win the Gold Medal at the Olympics next year in Paris. To be played at the Court Phillipe Chatrier which hosts Roland Garros, Djokovic would hope that he can replicate his performance from this year’s Roland Garros. The Serbian Legend would face a formidable challenge from the World No. 1 ranked player Carlos Alcaraz, who enjoys playing on the clay court.

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Novak Djokovic receives warm reception on US return

Novak Djokovic (image via Dafanews)
Novak Djokovic (Image via Dafanews)

Djokovic received a warm welcome from the American fans as he returned for the first time in two years. The World No. 2 last played a match in the US at the 2021 US Open, losing in the final. The Cincinnati Open crowd cheered him on as he paired up with Nikola Cacic in the doubles, losing 6-4,6-2 to Jamie Murray and Michael Venus. The 36-year-old will begin his singles campaign on Wednesday after receiving a bye into the second round.

Djokovic even drew huge crowds for his practice sessions before the tournament started. Speaking about his return to the US, Djokovic said, “I really wanted to return to Cincinnati to prepare well for the tournament.” Scheduled to play Alejandro Davidovich Fokina next, Djokovic remarked, “I’m very excited to return to the country after two years, I’m very grateful for all the love that people are giving me.“

Djokovic will set out to win a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows later this month. The Serb has largely underachieved at the US Open despite it being a hard-court tournament. The 23-time Grand Slam Champion will look forward to taking his revenge against the world number one and defending champion Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.

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