In the eyes of Novak Djokovic this year’s Olympic Games is at the top of his goals along with adding to his Grand Slam tally on the Tour.
The four-year event is set to get underway later this year in Tokyo after being delayed by 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Making it the first time the event has been delayed since it’s birth in 1896. In the Open Era tennis has been part of the Games since 1988 with some of the sports greats previously winning gold. Including both of the Williams sisters, Steffi Graf, Boris Becker and Andre Agassi.
Considering the already packed schedule players have in the sport, as well as the ongoing pandemic, so may be put off of going to the Games. Although for many they see it as a duty to play and represent their country.
“Every athlete feels a special part to represent their country. The Olympic Games are every four years,” world No.1 Djokovic said during a special ceremony in Belgrade earlier this week.
“I felt the strongest emotions playing for the national team. I enjoy it and will tell it to my children tomorrow.”
Despite his various milestones in the sport, Djokovic hasn’t had the most successful time at the Olympic Games. The only medal he has won so far was a bronze in the singles back in 2008. In 2012 he finished fourth followed by a shock first round loss to Juan Martin del Potro four years later.
Rival Roger Federer has faired better at the event with a silver medal in the singles, as well as a gold in the doubles which he won alongside Stan Wawrinka. The 39-year-old Swiss Maestro has also set out his intention to play in Tokyo which will mark the 21st anniversary of his Olympic Debut. Federer is returning to competition this week following a 13-month hiatus due to a knee injury.
“Participation in the Olympics is part of my plan although my main goal was everything from today until Wimbledon, the tournament that precedes the Olympics,” Federer told beIN Sports.
“I hope that I will be fully in (shape) by then and that questions about my knee will stop.
“The Olympics is a major goal for me… Unfortunately, I missed the Rio Olympics (in 2016) because of a left knee injury. I hope I will return to the Tokyo Olympics.”
Andy Murray is the only player in history to have defended an Olympic title in singles competition. Later this year he will be bidding for a third consecutive titles but faces a tall order following a series of injury setbacks he has suffered in recent time.
“This year, my main focus is the Olympics,” Murray said during an interview with Sportskeeda. “I’m very proud of my gold medals, so it would be great to get the opportunity to defend those. I’m training hard to be in Tokyo for whatever format the Games ends up taking.”
Organisers in Tokyo are still planning for the upcoming event amid high speculation that international spectators will not be allowed to attend due to the pandemic. Although no formal announcement has been made yet. Organizing committee president Hashimoto Seiko has previously indicated that a decision will be made before the torch relay starts on March 25.
The Tennis competition will be held at the Ariake Coliseum which is the venue of the women’s Pan Pacific Open. It will take place between 24 July – 1 August 2021.
