- The previous Olympic Games did not go according to Novak Djokovic’s plan – he never stood on the podium once
- In Tokyo, the Serbian tennis player made it to both the singles and the mix semi-finals without losing a set
- If Djoković reaches for gold in the single, he will be one step away from repeating the amazing feat of Steffi Graf
- In 1988, the legendary German woman became the Olympic champion and won all four Grand Slam tournaments
- More such texts can be found on the main page of Onet.pl
With his game in Japan, Novak Djoković wants to remove the stain from the last two Olympic Games. In 2012, the Serbian tennis player lost the match for a bronze medal, and four years later he was eliminated in the first round. In both cases, Juan Martin del Potro kicked him out of the tournament.
Sensation at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro
The defeat at the courts in Rio de Janeiro was especially painful. Djokovic he joined the struggle in Brazil in a phenomenal form. As many as four out of five previous Grand Slam tournaments have been won by him. However, it was for nothing in the duel with del Potro. The Argentine won 7: 6 (4), 7: 6 (2), and Djokovic, leaving the court, burst into tears.
– This is one of the toughest failures in my entire career. It’s hard to deal with, especially now that the wounds are still fresh. However, I have no choice but to face this situation. This is not the first and not the last time that I have lost a match, but it is a completely different feeling at the Olympics – admitted Djoković shortly after the defeat to del Potro.
Tokyo 2020, a new hand in Djokovic’s career
On paper XXXII Summer Olympics in Tokyo make comparisons with the situation in Rio. Djokovic is on the rise again, as evidenced by the victory in each of the three Grand Slam tournaments held in 2021. This time, however, another profession at the four-year party is to bypass the Serb.
– I was nervous at the previous games. It is normal for me to represent my country. Playing IO is a different situation than what I deal with on a daily basis – revealed Djokovic. – I know that feeling when you are a favorite. This was the case in Rio in 2016. Now, however, I am a more experienced player. I know how I should take care of mental issues and what to do on and off the court to feel comfortable – noted the leader of the ATP world ranking.
So far, Djokovic’s actions in Tokyo confirm the credibility of his words. The 33-year-old did not lose even a single set on his way to the singles semi-finals. As if that was not enough, along with Nina Stojanović he probably also advanced to the top four of the mix. The Serb does not think to treat the Games as neglect and expresses it in his statements.
– The Games are the most recognizable event in the history of sport. In the past, when you reached for Olympic gold, you were considered immortal, you experienced eternal glory. I do not think that anything has changed in this matter – said the popular “Nole”.
Novak Djoković can repeat Steffi Graf’s achievement
For Djokovic, the Olympic gold medal may turn out to be only a part of other great achievements. The Serbian competitor has a chance to kill two birds with one stone.
First, in the event of a win at the Tokyo courts, it will be third after Andrea Agassi and Rafael Nadal tennis player who will add the Olympic singles championship to all four Grand Slam tournaments. Secondly, the win will open up a unique chance for him to catch up with Steffi Graf. The legendary German woman, in 1988, was the first and so far the last to win the Olympic gold and triumphed in every Grand Slam tournament in one calendar year. This year Serb has already won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. He still lacks the triumph at this year’s US Open.
So Djokovic has a chance to write down in the history of tennis with golden letters. The tennis player himself does not hide that he is most interested in it.
“Steffi’s stunt repetition seems more and more likely. For me, this is of course a goal, and at the same time a great dream – summed up the 20-time winner of the Grand Slam.
Novak Djoković for a place in the final the Olympic tournament in Tokyo he will fight on Friday, July 30th. His rival will be seeded No. 4 Germany, Alexander Zverev.
Medal table
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