"The fact that I am not the favorite is a motivation" - Novak Djokovic throws down the gauntlet ahead of Paris Olympics, with Rafael Nadal 2R looming

Novak Djokovic has sent a warning to the rest of the pack at the 2024 Paris Olympics, stating that he is not worried about the fact that the bookmakers do no consider him a favorite for the title. The Serb, on the other hand, has vowed to use that as a motivation at Roland Garros and propel himself to a first Olympic gold medal.

Djokovic comes into the Olympics this year without a title under his belt. His best finish came in his most recent tournament at Wimbledon, where he reached the final before falling to Carlos Alcaraz. In Paris, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was set to be seeded No. 2, but moved up to No. 1 after Jannik Sinner's late withdrawal.

The 37-year-old, therefore, can now face French Open defending champion Alcaraz only in the final. His opener at the Games will be against Matthew Ebden, with a potential second-round clash against arch-rival Rafael Nadal looming as well.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of the start of the event, Djokovic oozed confidence, stating that he will try his best to improve on his previous results at the Olympics. He previously won the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and finished fourth at Tokyo in the last edition.

"I am very excited. I think the Olympic Games are a very important event. I can't wait to represent my country. I have great expectations for this tournament. I lost in the semifinals in Tokyo and I will try to improve on the results of three years ago," Novak Djokovic said.

"The tennis calendar is very busy. I decided to play Wimbledon despite the meniscus problem also to prepare for this tournament. I am sure I will be able to show my worth," he added.

Turning attention to his chances in Paris, the World No. 2 believes that he is more ready now than he was at Wimbledon earlier this month. He also appeared at ease about adapting to the clay so quickly after his grass campaign, remarking that his French Open experience (quarterfinal exit after knee injury) will do him good.

"I feel good compared to and more ready than I was before Wimbledon. I had many opportunities to win gold and now I have to start taking advantage of them. The fact that I am not the bookmakers' favorite is just a motivation for me," Novak Djokovic said.

"The Olympic Games have always been a great challenge for me. I have focused all my preparation on this tournament. I think I will adapt immediately to the conditions of Roland Garros since we played there two months ago," he added.

About the idea of meeting Nadal in the second round, Djokovic said:

"It would be exciting to play against Nadal in the second round."

The head-to-head between the duo is now at 30-29 in favor of the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Their last meeting came at the 2022 French Open, where Nadal prevailed in the quarterfinals.

Nadal also comes into the Olympics with decent match practice, having reached the final at the Nordea Open last week on clay. In his opener, the Spaniard will take on Marton Fucsovics.

"I am aware that an era is ending with Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray's retirements after the Games" - Novak Djokovic

Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Previews - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic, in the press conference, also spoke about the Paris Olympics being Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray's final appearances at the tournament, admitting that it marked the end of an era for him. The Serb felt he was heading to the same fate, but professed confidence in the coming generation to hold up tennis regardless.

"I am aware that an era is ending with Nadal and Murray's retirements after the Games. I think my career is also coming to an end, but I believe that there are and will be tennis players capable of taking on the burden of being the best," Novak Djokovic said.

Murray has confirmed the 2024 Olympics to be his final tennis tournament. Nadal, on the other hand, hasn't confirmed it, but has strongly hinted that 2024 will be his final year on tour.