Tokyo Olympics: Golden Slam on track as Novak Djokovic confirms Games participation

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic confirmed he will compete at the Tokyo Olympics as the Serb remains on course to achieve the Golden Slam in tennis. Djokovic completed the third leg towards achieving the Golden Slam last weekend when he added the Wimbledon title to his Australian Open and Roland Garros triumphs in 2021.

No man has ever won the four slams and an Olympic gold in the same year, with Germany’s Steffi Graf the only player to accomplish the feat in 1988. After winning at Wimbledon, Djokovic said he was ‘50-50’ about competing at the July 23-August 8 Games following the organisers’ decision to ban fans from attending and the restrictions on the number of people he can take to the Games.

But the 34-year-old said on Thursday he had booked his flight for Tokyo. “I am very proud to pack for Tokyo and join our national team in the fight for the brightest medals on the Olympic arenas,” Djokovic, who won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, tweeted.

Cannot disappoint my little friend Koujirou. I booked my flight for Tokyo and will proudly be joining #TeamSerbia for the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/23TmSdvc4x

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) July 15, 2021

“For me, the game for Serbia has always been a special joy and motivation and I will do my best to make us all happy! Let’s go.”

Some of the sport’s biggest names, including Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Serena Williams, Stan Wawrinka and Simona Halep have already announced their decision to skip the Games, which has been delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(with Reuters inputs)