Novak Djokovic arrives in Paris for the Olympics; holds his first practice session at Roland-Garros with Felix-Auger-Aliassime

Novak Djokovic arrived in Paris for the 2024 Olympics with his sight set on a maiden Olympic gold medal. The 24-time Grand Slam champion won a bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics after defeating James Flake.

Despite undergoing knee surgery before the 2024 Wimbledon, Djokovic stormed his way into the finals of the tournament, defeating the likes of Lorenzo Musseti, Holger Rune, and Alexei Popyrin. The Serb however, faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Carlo Alcaraz in the final, as the Spaniard beat him in straight sets to clinch his second Wimbledon title.

The World No. 2 was seen holding his first practice session along with Felix-Auger-Aliassime, as the two practiced together on the clay courts at Roland Garros.

The 37-year-old opted out of the doubles and mixed doubles at the event and will be seen representing Serbia in the men's singles event. He will be joined by his fellow Serbian, Dusan Lajovic.

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"It's a huge honor to represent Serbia at the Olympics": Novak Djokovic on his participation in the 2024 Olympics

Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Previews - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic has participated in every edition of the Olympics since debuting in 2008. In a career spanning over two decades, the Serb has claimed a record-equalling 24 Grand Slams, including three French Open titles. However, in what will be his fifth appearance at the Games, the Serb will be keen to add the Olympic gold medal that has eluded him so far.

Speaking to the press after the Laureus Awards held in Madrid this April, he talked about his participation in the 2024 Olympics and said (via Olympics.com):

"If I didn't think [a gold medal] was possible, I probably wouldn't be playing the Olympic Games. You have to believe that everything is possible in life . The Olympics Games are the oldest and most prestigious sporting event in the history of sport . It's a huge honour to represent Serbia at the Olympic Games. I hope I can be healthy and fit," he said.

Reiterating the importance of the much-awaited quadrennial event, he said,

"I hope I can play my best tennis. At the end of the day, who knows if I will get another chance to play at the Olympic Games, they only come every four years," Djokovic added.

The games in Paris are set to begin on Friday where Djokovic will be joined by some of the biggest names in tennis including Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, and Iga Swiatek.