The Paris Olympics is probably the principle seasonal aim for Novak Djokovic. The previous world #1 will play his fifth Olympics, hoping to lastly win the gold medal. The Serbian champion has at all times had some issues on this occasion, a type of curse that he hopes to interrupt simply this yr. To be as centered as potential and keep away from losing vitality, Nole determined to play solely the only in Paris.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion – who feels higher than Wimbledon – will make his debut towards Matt Ebden in a match that’s comparatively clean in concept. In case of victory, Novak will face the winner of the match between Marton Fucsovics and Rafael Nadal. Any problem towards the Spaniard can be probably the most anticipated occasions in the whole Olympics.
The 37-year-old from Belgrade is in parable descending seconds some specialists, Having not received a single title in 2024 and having been defeated by Carlos Alcaraz within the closing of the Wimbledon Championships. Djokovic had his knee operated final month, however he nonetheless managed to succeed in the ultimate at Church Street due to a good draw.
The Serbian grew to become the primary favourite of the seeding because of the failure of Jannik Sinner, who needed to skip the Olympics due to tonsillitis. Though Djokovic is the primary seed favourite, the large favourite to win the gold medal in Paris is Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. Novak Djokovic may be very motivated to do effectively in Paris, on the much less supreme floor for his traits (though he received three French Open).
Nole needs to remain centered
In contrast to earlier editions of the Olympics, Nole has determined to not keep within the Olympic village this yr. “Why did I resolve to not keep on the Olympic village in the course of the Video games? One of many causes is for my privateness. I needed extra privateness and to remain centered on the event. The village is without doubt one of the greatest experiences in the course of the Olympics as a result of it’s the place you are feeling the vitality. I’ll go go to the village however I received’t keep there as a result of I really feel it’s higher for me. I’d like to see plenty of sports activities however I received’t have that many alternatives, so I’ll strive” – Djokovic defined earlier than the beginning of the event.
Regardless of the outcomes he has achieved this yr, the Serbian participant will not be going to surrender and needs to proceed enjoying: “I don’t have retirement shut in my thoughts, to be trustworthy, though I do know lots of people would love me to retire. I believe so long as there may be at the least considered one of us left within the competitors, I believe the period continues to be going.
After all, there’s a change of generations, Alcaraz and Sinner, at the moment they’re two of the very best on this planet, deservedly. I’ve been current for the shift of many generations within the final 15 years, I prefer to see that, however I believe it’s additionally nice I’m nonetheless capable of play. After all, the tip is nearer than the start, I do know that. I nonetheless take pleasure in competitors and I’ll preserve going till I don’t take pleasure in it anymore.”
The Serbian legend skilled one of many worst moments of his whole profession in Rio in 2016, when he cried so much after dropping to a terrific Juan Martin del Potro. Nole might have received the gold medal in Tokyo 2021, however was defeated within the semifinals by Zverev regardless of an excellent begin to the match (the Serbian was forward by one set and one break).
Djokovic loves the Olympics
In a latest interview with Eurosport, Boris Becker recalled Djokovic’s defeat in Rio: “I used to be lucky to be the top coach of the Serbian crew at 2016 in Rio. I labored with all of the Serbian gamers, I stayed within the village with the Serbian s and by then, he was already a famous person.
Then he misplaced to Del Potro within the first spherical and also you simply couldn’t converse to him for the primary couple of days as he was heartbroken. It was one of many largest disappointments in his profession, however there you go. He has so many nice victories in his profession, however you would see the frustration. He confirmed how proud he’s to be Serbian. He loves his nation greater than the rest on this planet. That’s the reason this Olympics might be so necessary for him.”
The Paris Olympics and the US Open are Nole’s two primary objectives on this second a part of the season. The Serbian must defend many factors, having received the Cincinnati Masters 1000, the US Open, the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000 and the ATP Finals.
