Novak Djokovic is a physical specimen unlike any other, which is why he has stayed at the top of his game even as he nears his 37th birthday.
The Serbian machine has won almost every 'Big Title' in tennis and holds numerous records. When the GOAT debate is thrown around these days, Djokovic's name is at the front of the queue ahead of his longtime rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
But one title that is missing from Djokovic's resume is an Olympic gold medal, a prize that both Federer and Nadal hold in their safe. The 24-time Grand Slam champion's best effort was winning a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Djokovic will get another chance to represent his country at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He is currently the favorite to top the Olympics race before the start of the tournament. It would be the ultimate success for Djokovic if he becomes the last man standing in early August.
The fact that the event will be played at Roland Garros only adds a ripple of excitement. Djokovic has won the French Open three times in his career, and there is a possibility he could complete a clean sweep by winning the clay Slam and an Olympic medal this summer.
Many onlookers believe this is the 36-year-old's last window of opportunity to get his hands on a gold medal. Djokovic will be 41 when the next Olympics are staged in Los Angeles in 2028, an unchartered territory even for a man who has become a sporting immortal.
Although Djokovic has not ruled out the possibility of playing in his sixth Olympics in four years' time, he reckons he doesn't have many cards at his disposal, making it clear that he's putting his eggs in the Parisian basket. Nevertheless, he is excited at the prospect of potentially playing in LA.
"Everything is on the cards. I just don’t know how many cards I have left, you know. Let’s see. It’s still very far to think about – Los Angeles Olympic Games."
"But the thought of it excites me, of course. Love to play that. As we know, Olympics come every four years. I can’t really commit to that yet."
0 Comments