Novak Djokovic is arguably the greatest tennis player of all time.
The Serbian athlete has achieved a remarkable feat unparalleled in the history of professional tennis, having remained in the top spot of the ATP Pepperstone ranking for a total of 397 weeks and having won 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
Djokovic has accumulated a wealth of trophies, accolades, and world records throughout his fifteen-year career, which would make one think that the player has probably got it all. But, upon closer inspection, the Serb is lacking one piece of conspicuous glory that most athletes aspire to have: an Olympic gold medal
Djokovic’s goals
Following his success at the United States Open, where he achieved his 24th Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic opted to take a period of rest to be with his family. During this time, he missed several tournaments.
The Paris Masters marked his comeback, but before he set out onto the court, Djokovic declared his intentions for the future. And among his list is the Paris Olympics next year.
“Of course my greatest motivation is still love for the game. I really like competing. So as simple as that. Then I always have goals, and to win another Slam, to be No. 1 again, to finish the year as No. 1. Those are let’s say the big goals,” said Djokovic said, as per the ATP tour. “Of course next year is Olympic Games. I really want to do well in the Olympic Games, and represent my country. Davis Cup is something that still gives me a lot of inspiration.”
He also stated that, while he wishes to win every tournament in which he chooses to compete, his ambition is stronger for the ones he named, including the Olympics.
“Any tournament where I play, I want to win, no doubt. But the big goals are the ones that I mentioned,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic: Olympic history
Djokovic has not been able to secure a gold medal despite his numerous attempts, beginning in 2008, and has only achieved a bronze medal in his entire career.
The bronze medal was won in his Olympic debut in Beijing, where he defeated United States player James Blake, 6–3, 7–6(7–4).
At the 2012 London Olympics, Djokovic was eliminated in the semi-finals and then faced defeat in the bronze medal match against Argentina’s Juan Martín del Potro.
In 2016 Rio Olympics, as bad luck would have it, Djokovic met del Potro again, this time in the first round of the competition. Unfortunately, the Serb was unable to avenge his bronze medal loss and was eliminated in the first round, thus destroying his Olympic ambition once more.
At the time, Djokovic was visibly in tears as he walked off the court, which was a heartbreaking moment for his supporters.
“No doubt this is one of the toughest losses in my life and in my career,” a devastated Djokovic told reporters, as per reuters.
Finally, at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Djokovic mirrored his 2012 performance when he lost in the semi-finals against Alexander Zverev.
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