ATP ace Novak Djokovic has arrived in Paris
Novak Djokovic has arrived in Paris and has already started training for the Olympics. The former world number 1 has the last possible to realize his dream of winning the gold medal, which has always eluded him in previous editions. The Serbian champion has always been honored to be able to represent his country and decided to focus only on the single in Paris.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is not the top contender for the gold medal, although the surprising failures of Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune made drawing easier. The 37-year-old from Belgrade is not playing a great season and has yet to win a title in 2024, reaching the final at the Wimbledon Championships a few weeks ago.
Nole hoped to lift his eighth trophy at Church Road, but was defeated by a wild Carlos Alcaraz in the final. During the post-tournament press conference, Djokovic admitted that he felt inferior to Sinner and Alcaraz at this point and had to work hard to reach their level. For Djokovic it is definitely the last Olympics of his career, since in Los Angeles 2028 he will be 41 years old. The Serbian looked like he was close to winning a gold medal three years ago in Tokyo, but he lost to Sascha Zverev in the semifinal.
The two big favorites in Paris will be Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, also thanks to the absence of Italian ace Jannik Sinner, due to a tonsillitis. After his withdrawal, the number one seed will be the Serbian, who will not be able to face the new champion of Wimbledon until the final.
Djokovic could face Nadal
Taking into consideration the course in the tournament of 24 times Slam champion, immediately jumps to the eye a possible cross of great thickness, Rafael Nadal, if both players pass their first rounds, against Matthew Ebden and Marton Fucsovics. A challenge between the two champions that in other times would have put the title on the line.
The third round could put in front of the Serbian ace other interesting challenges. Or the Italian Matteo Arnaldi, or more likely the new champion of Hamburg Arthur Fils. From the quarterfinals the level rises and here is the possible match with Stefanos Tsitsipas. In the semi-finals there are many possible opponents that he might encounter. From Alexander Zverev, the reigning champion of the last edition, to Lorenzo Musetti, reborn in recent months. Taylor Fritz is also worth keeping an eye on. The final that everyone expects, and probably all hope is instead with Alcaraz. The Serbian will hunt for the title, the only one that still lacks in his amazing palmarés.
Matt Ebden jokes
On X fans can see Matt Ebden’s reaction to finding out he plays Novak Djokovic in the 1st round and Rafael Nadal in the 2nd round of the Paris Olympics.
Nole is ready to compete: “I feel more ready now than I was for Wimbledon. The expectations are always high, which is something that I cannot change and don’t want to. Approaching Olympic Games is always a huge challenge for me because I put extra expectations and pressure on myself, and of course, the nation as well. The objective is always the highest one. I’m hoping I can perform by best and get to the medal match. I don’t have retirement close in my mind, to be honest even though I know a lot of people would love me to retire so this era is done. I am excited for this duel in the second round, and I will give it my all.”
Novak Djokovic, during the press conference reported by SportFace, sent a nice message to Jannik Sinner. “Especially this year he played many games at very high levels and is also very young. He will be able to improve a lot physically. I understand his decision not to participate in the Games. If it’s not 100% it’s right, even in respect of your country, that you stay home. I hope he will recover as soon as possible,” said the Serbian champion. Djokovic, unlike his previous experiences at the Olympics, has decided not to stay in the Olympic village. “One of the reasons is privacy. I visited the village when I arrived, but preferred to stay in private to concentrate and avoid any distractions”.
The former world number 1 will debut in Paris on Saturday or Sunday and will not play any form of doubles this year. The 37-year-old from Belgrade is determined to win the gold medal for his country and hopes to do so on the red clay of the French Open.
Matt Ebden’s reaction to finding out he plays Novak Djokovic in the 1st round & Rafa Nadal in the 2nd round of the Olympics 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 25, 2024
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