Novak Djokovic has divulged his desire to peak at one major event and that is like other years not ‘Majors”.
Instead the 24-time Grand Slam winner is aiming to get an Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics and its tennis event will be hosted at Roland Garros. The Serbian has all but Olympic gold in his trophy cabinet as he has already clinched most Major trophies and most ATP Masters 1000 titles on the tour while also maintaining the biggest tally of 419 weeks spent as World No. 1.
The 36-year-old nevertheless, has an Olympic medal to his name as he sealed the bronze at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics but finished fourth at 2012 London Games, lost in R1 at the 2018 Rio Games and once again registered a fourth place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Games. The legendary Serbian is hoping to get luck by his side in the fifth installment.
“The Paris Olympics are very important – the Olympics have always been a priority for me,” he said.
“But in the last three or four Olympics, it’s not been possible for me to reach the later stages [the final].
“The situation is a bit different now. We are playing our first Olympics on clay. I want to be ready physically and mentally.”
The 10-time Australian Open has made an uncharacteristic start in 2024 and is currently 8-3 after suffering losses at the United Cup, Australian Open (Semi) and R3 of the Indian Wells Open more recently. However, the clay season is around the corner and focus will switch to red dirt next week with the start of Monte Carlo Masters. Djokovic is hoping to build his game towards Paris Olympics and has set his sights on the event scheduled on Parisian clay.
“It’s all about building my game for clay courts,” he added.
“I want to reach my peak for Paris – that’s where I want to play my best tennis. Anything else is a bonus, so let’s see what happens.”
Of course, that doesn’t mean he will spare less for the All England Club as he jokingly stated “there is this little tournament called Wimbledon”.
Recently ex-Djokovic coach, Goran Ivanisevic also revealed that his former charge wants to bite an Olympic gold medal.
“I believe that Novak will find motivation, I am sure of it,” Ivanisevic, who parted ways with Djokovic in March after five successful years together. “I wish him Olympic gold with all my heart, even more than the Slams.
“It’s something that he wants, he feels like he owes it to someone, although he doesn’t owe anyone anything… I wish for him to succeed at the Olympics.”