Former world number one Novak Djokovic has confirmed he will compete in the singles at this summer’s Olympic Games. He could also team up with compatriot Dusan Lajovic in the doubles. The Serb is currently recovering from a knee injury.
The Olympic Games have long been a challenge for Novak Djokovic. His best performance came in Beijing 2008. He won the bronze medal. Paris 2024 could be his last chance at Olympic glory. The former world number one has confirmed his participation in the Summer Olympics in Paris. The Serbian Olympic Committee announced.
“Novak Djokovic and Dusan Lajovic have fulfilled the conditions according to the ATP rankings and confirmed their participation in the Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024,” the Serbian Olympic Committee said on its website.
Djokovic is recovering from a knee injury sustained in the round of 16 at Roland Garros. He won to Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo.
Despite being the player with the most Grand Slam wins (24), ahead of Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer, he has always struggled for Olympic success. He has had some memorable moments at the Olympics. However, his ultimate goal of winning a gold medal remains elusive.
Confirmation of his participation in Paris 2024 is a dream come true for Djokovic, as it could be his last chance to add one of the few missing titles to his record. He made his debut at Beijing 2008 and last competed at Tokyo 2020.
To date, Novak Djokovic has taken part in four editions of the Olympic Games, with the following singles results.
In singles:
Tokyo 2020: 4th place
Rio 2016: 33rd place
London 2012: 4th place
Beijing 2008: Bronze Medal
In doubles:
Tokyo 2020: 4th place (mixed doubles)
Rio 2016: 9th place
London 2012: 17th place
Beijing 2008: 17th place
On his debut at Beijing 2008, Djokovic was one of the medal favourites behind Rafa Nadal, to whom he lost in the semi-finals. He went on to defeat James Blake in straight sets in the bronze medal match. The gold went to Nadal, who beat Fernando Gonzalez in the final.
At London 2012, Roger Federer was the favourite, with Djokovic the second seed. The tournament did not feature Rafael Nadal. Djokovic lost to Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-finals. The gold medal went to Andy Murray. He beat Federer in the final.
At Rio 2016, Djokovic was the favourite to win the gold medal. However, he faced a tough match against Juan Martin del Potro, his London 2012 nemesis, and once again came up short. He lost. The gold medal went to Andy Murray, who beat the Argentine in the final.
His last appearance was at Tokyo 2020. He was once again the favourite after winning the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon earlier in the year. However, he fell in the semi-finals and lost the bronze medal match. The gold medal went to Alexander Zverev, who beat Karen Khachanov. Zverev beat Djokovic in the semi-finals. Spain’s Pablo Carreño beat Djokovic in the bronze medal match.
