Tennis legend Novak Djokovic enters Paris Olympics 2024 with a sole aim of winning his maiden gold medal at the games. The Serb has won a record 24 Grand Slams in his illustrious career but has only managed a bronze at the Olympics so far. It came in the 2008 edition.
Djokovic recently released his first-ever video on TikTok, in which he can be seen praying for that elusive gold at the 2024 games.
Djokovic has had a mixed run in the Olympics so far. The World No. 2 made his debut at the games in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The then 19-year-old defeated James Blake in the bronze medal match to win his first Olympic medal.
After this win, Djokovic went into the the 2012 London Olympics as a top contender but was defeated by the eventual gold medalist, Andy Murray in the semi-finals. The Serb faced further disappointments at future games, as he had to withdraw from the 2016 Olympics due to a wrist injury and was eliminated in the fourth round of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
The 37-year-old will be eager to add the coveted Olympic gold to his trophy cabinet as he gears up to represent Serbia in the men's singles.
"I simply wanted more privacy" - Novak Djokovic on skipping his stay at the Olympic village
Novak Djokovic recently attended a press conference alongside the Serbian tennis team ahead of to the Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old has skipped staying at the Olympic Village along with thousands of other athletes, booking his own accommodation in Paris.
"I simply wanted to have more privacy, more peace and somehow focus on my routine and preparation for the tournament, which is of course the highest priority." Djokovic said in the press conference
The Serb further reflected on his experience staying at the Olympic Village in Tokyo:
"I decided to stay at the Olympic Village in Tokyo, I might have... one or two nights before the start of the tournament, but I also stayed somewhere else for the tournament because this one, somehow I feel that it is more correct for me and that it is better for me and for my preparations." Djokovic continued
Novak Djokovic will be joined by his fellow countryman, Dusan Lajovic in the singles draw at the Olympics. The games will also see other tennis stars such as Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka in action.
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