Novak Djokovic is unsure of playing at the Tokyo Olympics
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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is a proud Serbian, and nothing would have pleased him better than to have won an Olympic Gold for his country and see her Flag being hoisted and the National anthem being played. At 33 Djokovic may still have another shot at the Tokyo Olympics but this will be his last one as ‘favourite’. The Serbian though is unsure if he will be going to the Olympics or not.
Novak Djokovic uncertain of participation in the Tokyo Olympics
Novak Djokovic had in the past stated that next to the Grand Slams, the Olympics would be the most important event of 2021. But now the World No.1 and Bronze medalist from 2008 Beijing Olympics has raised doubts over his participation at the event. He has said that he will participate only if fans are allowed in the stadiums.
The context is important as Japan has already banned international fans from attending the Tokyo Olympics. If local Japanese fans are allowed or not is a decision that will be taken in June 2021. Novak Djokovic said, “I plan on playing in the Olympics, as long as fans are allowed. If not, I’d think twice about participating.”
Japanese tennis stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori are apprehensive about the Tokyo Olympics
Not only foreign athletes, even local athletes are unsure and apprehensive about the Olympics. Naomi Osaka, who had previously expressed her wish to represent Japan at the Tokyo Olympics and even gave up her US Citizenship to make it happen, had sounded worried about the event.
Osaka talking about the Olympics had said, “I think a lot of unexpected things have happened this year and if it’s putting people at risk, and if it’s making people very uncomfortable, then it definitely should be a discussion, which I think it is as of right now.” Although she did add that as an athlete she wanted the event to go ahead.
Another Japanese Star Kei Nishikori too had his reservations. He said that there will be close to 10,000 athletes in the Olympic Village, and with everything that is happening In japan it certainly doesn’t look good for them. Nishikori said, “It’s 10,000 people in the village. So I don’t think it’s easy, especially what’s happening right now in Japan. It’s not doing good. Well, not even (just) Japan. You have to think all over the world right now.”
He added that the safety of the bubble has to be of paramount concern. He asks if the authorities are equipped to handle the situation if the virus breaks out in the bubble and starts to affect athletes. Kei Nishikori said, “If you think only about athletes, I think you can do it,” he said. “If you can make a good bubble, maybe you can do it, but there is some risk, too.” He concluded, “(What happens) if there is 100 cases in the village … (or) thousands?” Nishikori asked. “You have to really discuss how you can play really safely.”
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Auri Ghosh
(652 Articles Published)