Novak Djokovic's mixed doubles partner, Nina Stojanovic, recently commented on the unexpected situation at the Tokyo Olympics.
Djokovic competed in the singles and mixed doubles tournaments at the event in Japan's capital three years ago. He cruised through his opening four rounds in singles before losing to Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals.
The Serbian former World No. 1 then contested for a bronze medal against Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta but was heavily fatigued and lost a brutal nearly three-hour three-setter.
Djokovic had the chance to leave Tokyo with pride and a medal from mixed doubles, where he was partnering Stojanovic. They were due to play in a mixed doubles bronze medal match against Ashleigh Barty and John Peers.
However, the 24-time major champion withdrew from the match because of a shoulder injury, and Stojanovic, who was tight-lipped then, has since spoken of the moment on Reketiranje podcast.
The 27-year-old, a former World No. 81 before her injury hiatus, is on good terms with Djokovic, who mentioned that he congratulated her on her most recent title success on the ITF.
"I didn't talk to Novak Djokovic after that, I didn't have an opportunity, I saw him two or three times, I saw him on May 25... but I didn't have the opportunity or time, because of my obligation... I think that conversation will happen once and I hope it will happen."
"We have heard from each other after that, but we never talked about [the Olympics] specifically. He almost congratulated me on the tournament, he continues to keep up with what's happening to me and that, it's very nice of him, but there are simply things that I don't forget."
Djokovic will play in his fifth Olympics next month but won't play in any doubles events. The WTA player was disappointed by the lies and criticisms that were peddled by a section of fans after Djokovic's unsuccessful singles campaign, making her the scapegoat.
"I don't want to say anything ugly, but it's not a nice feeling when you read later the ugly statements saying it was because of me that [Novak Djokovic] was tired for the singles."
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