“In the future people will remember who has won medals” Novak Djokovic speaks ahead of his participation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic confirmed his participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics recently after giving a mini-shocker after his 2021 Wimbledon triumph that he needs to think about his decision of going for the Olympics.
Novak is one of the few top players who will be travelling for the Olympics this year as many have opted out due to hectic schedules and strict bio-bubble in place at the Olympic village and during the events as well. Nearly 25 of the top-50 players of the ATP tour have pulled out for various reasons which have affected the competitiveness of the Olympics for sure.
However, with these off-court activities taking place, Djokovic is unbothered by the talks and is focusing on his preparations as he chases the Olympic gold this year and add another feather in his hat. Djokovic had won the Bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and will be eyeing the Gold medal this year surely given his supreme form having gone unbeaten on Grass and Hardcourts this year.
“I’ve met Blanka Vlasic recently and she told me that in the future people won’t remember the conditions or whether there were people in the stands, but who has won medals. Representing your country at the Olympics is a feeling like no other,” said Novak in a recent press appearance.
“It is not a secret I am aiming for the gold” says Novak Djokovic
Blanka Vlasic is a former Croatian athlete and is a two-time world champion and double Olympic medallist winning the Silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the high jump event. Novak seems to have taken the advice of the Croatian and is raring to go for the gold medal for which he will be one of the top favourites.
“It is gruelling (schedule), but I am confident because of all of the wins this season. Winning a medal is my goal, and it is not a secret I am aiming for the gold. After Tokyo 2020, I will start to think about the US Open,” added Novak as he continues his preparations.
While his fellow Big-3 members, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal opted for the reasons of their own, with Federer picking up a slight injury during his run at the 2021 Wimbledon, Nadal has been off the court since his semi-final defeat at the 2021 French Open and is resting his body for the remainder of the season and chose not to play in any Grass tournament.
Novak is on the verge of history as he can become only the 5th player in history and only the 3rd man to win the Olympics Single gold along with all the 4 Grand Slam titles. He could go a step further at the 2021 US Open, where if he is able to win the Olympics gold this year and then wins the US Open also, he will achieve the Golden Slam to become just the 2nd tennis player ever to do so behind Steffi Graf.
With so many records at grasp, Novak will be excited to play at the Olympics this year and add another golden chapter in his career.
Also Read: Novak Djokovic’s outfit for Tokyo Olympics revealed!
Sarthak Shitole
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