Novak Djokovic, the legendary Serbian tennis player, is setting his sights on a coveted prize: an Olympic gold medal. With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, Djokovic is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. However, an Olympic gold medal remains the elusive piece missing from his illustrious trophy cabinet.
Djokovic’s quest for Olympic glory began at the 2008 Beijing Games, where he won a bronze medal. However, he failed to reach the podium in his subsequent three Olympic appearances. Undeterred, Djokovic is determined to make his fifth Olympics, in Paris 2024, his most successful yet.
“I hope I can play my best tennis at the Olympics,” Djokovic said after being named the 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. “I see the French Open, Wimbledon, the Paris 2024 Olympic and the US Open as the most important block of tournaments in 2024.”
Djokovic’s focus on the Olympics is evident in his schedule. He plans to play the Rome Masters before Roland-Garros, which begins on May 25. This will give him ample time to prepare for the Olympic tennis tournament, which will be held from July 28 to August 4.
Djokovic is aware that time is not on his side. At 36 years old, he knows that this may be his last chance to win an Olympic gold medal. “Who knows if I will get another chance to play at the Olympic Games,” he said. “I really wanted to play at least until the L.A. Olympic Games [in 2028], but you never know.”
Despite the challenges, Djokovic remains optimistic about his chances. “If I didn’t think [a gold medal] was possible, I probably wouldn’t be playing the Olympic Games,” he said. “You have to believe that everything is possible in life.”
Djokovic’s pursuit of an Olympic gold medal is a testament to his unwavering determination and his insatiable hunger for success. As he prepares for his fifth and potentially final Olympic appearance, the tennis world will be watching with bated breath, eager to witness whether the Serbian legend can finally add the elusive gold medal to his remarkable legacy.
