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Novak Djokovic’s Road to Tokyo Olympics 2020 Final and Continuing ‘Golden Slam’ Quest
Serbian World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has arrived in Japan and will begin his campaign at the Tokyo Olympics in two days. Most significantly, it is the event that will decide whether he continues on his path to Golden Slam achievement.
Only recently, the Olympics announced the men’s singles bracket for the Games this year, and it does seem to favor the 20-time Grand Slam champion. However, there might be potential obstacles he would need to conquer on his way to his maiden Olympic gold medal.
Read More: Tokyo Olympics 2020: Tennis Event to See a Major Format Change
Tokyo Olympics 2020: Djokovic’s path to men’s singles final
Notably, the Serbian ace won his third consecutive Grand Slam of the year in Wimbledon only ten days ago. Thus, fatigue would play an extensive role throughout the week for him in Japan.
But Djokovic is currently in his best shape both physically and mentally. Moreover, his odds to wear the Olympic gold on August 1 are far better than anybody in the draw.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis Training – Ariake Tennis Park, Tokyo, Japan – July 22, 2021 Novak Djokovic of Serbia embraces Alexander Zverev of Germany during training. REUTERS/Mike Segar
The 34-year-old would begin his Tokyo Olympics journey against Bolivian Hugo Dellien. Statistic-wise, Dellien is currently out of the Top 100 with only 5 ATP tour-level appearances in 2021, winning only one of them.
As per ATP Rankings, Djokovic would potentially face German Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round. Following that, one member of the Davidovich Fokina, John Millman, and Lorenzo Musetti trio could face the Serbian in pre-quarters.
Novak Djokovic, road at #Tokyo2020:
1R: Hugo Dellien
2R: Jan-Lennard Struff
3R: Davidovich Fokina (Millman/Musetti)
QF: Rublev
SF: Zverev
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) July 22, 2021
Indeed, the competition toughens for the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist from quarterfinals onwards. In the last eight, Djokovic could most likely face Russian Andrey Rublev, and in the semifinals, German Alexander Zverev.
What’s interesting is that Zverev had already been contemplating overcoming Djokovic in the Olympics. But when it actually comes down to the match, would he be able to do so?
Quest for Golden Slam continues for Novak Djokovic
In the Tokyo Olympics men’s singles bracket, Djokovic and Andy Murray are the only ones who could lose something. However, the most attention would go to the Serbian who is on the way to complete the ultimate feat in tennis, the Golden Slam.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis Training – Ariake Tennis Park, Tokyo, Japan – July 22, 2021 Novak Djokovic of Serbia during training. REUTERS/Mike Segar
In the last Olympics, Novak suffered an opening-round exit and left Rio in tears. This time around, he will want to leave only after winning his first gold medal for Serbia.
The tournament will start on July 24 and conclude on August 1, 2021. Do you think Novak’s quest will go on to US Open or end in Tokyo?
Watch this story: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Others Winning Medals of Glory at Olympic Games
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