“The fact that I am not the bookmakers’ favorite is just a motivation for me” : Novak Djokovic ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics
Novak Djokovic has entered the 2024 Paris Olympics as the top seed, after Jannik Sinner pulled out of the event owing to an illness. The Serbian is scheduled to face Matthew Ebden in the first round, followed by a potential second round clash against Rafael Nadal.
The Olympic gold medal is missing from Novak Djokovic’s rich collection of trophies and accolades. The Serbian reached the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics last time around, however, failed to secure a medal for his country. The veteran believes that he will be able to show his mettle at the Olympic Games this time around. Additionally, he stated that given the fact that he is not the favorite to win the gold medal, that just serves him some extra motivation.
Just like every athlete, the Olympic Games mean a lot to Novak Djokovic. He was seen weeping, when he lost Juan Martin del Potro at the 2016 Rio Olympics. This could be his final opportunity to secure a gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games.
“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.
“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 in the press conference.
“It would be exciting to play against Nadal in the second round” : Novak Djokovic
In some of the biggest surprises of the draw, 24-time Grand Slam champion could face 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the second round in Paris. This will be their 60th meeting on all surfaces, with the record slightly in the favor of the Serbian, who leads 30-29 in head to head encounters.
Novak Djokovic stated that it would be exciting to play against his old rival in the second round. The Serbian also revealed that he expects to adapt pretty quickly to the clay courts here, given that he played the French Open just a couple of months earlier.
This season has not been going in the way Novak Djokovic would have planned. He is yet to win a single title this season, however, he would surely love an Olympic gold medal which completes his trophy cabinet.
“It would be exciting to play against Nadal in the second round. 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.
