The impossible dream lives on for Novak Djokovic as he confirmed his participation in this month's Tokyo Olympics on social media on Thursday. That's great news for sports and tennis fans all over, as that means the Golden Slam is still in play for the world no. 1.
Djokovic made the announcement via Twitter, saying, "Cannot disappoint my little friend Koujiro. I booked my flight for Tokyo and will proudly be joining #TeamSerbia for the Olympics."
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
He made it clear his main motivation is giving pride and honor to his home country, adding, "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."
Djokovic's inclusion a major boost for battered Tokyo Games
Djokovic's decision to join the Summer Games is a welcome development for Tokyo Olympics organizers who have received a spate of withdrawals from tennis stars in recent weeks. Those not going to Tokyo include tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams, as well as Sofia Kenin, Dominic Thiem, Denis Shapovalov, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Vasek Pospisil, Simona Halep, Nick Kyrgios, and Bianca Andreescu.
When asked about his Olympic participation after the Wimbledon Championships, Djokovic said he was "50-50" with the lack of fans and spectators and the strict COVID-19 restrictions making him hesitate to go to Tokyo.
It appears, in the end, the pull of history was just too strong for Djokovic to resist. He has yet to win an Olympic gold medal in his career, the only thing missing from his illustrious trophy cabinet. Djokovic won bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, losing to Nadal in the semifinals of that event.
He fell short once again in the 2012 London Olympics, bowing out again in the semifinals against British star Andy Murray. He ended up without a medal that year as he lost to Juan Martin del Potro in the bronze medal match. Del Potro gave more heartbreak to Djokovic in the 2016 Rio Olympics when he recorded a major upset in the first round.
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Djokovic targets Golden Slam
Djokovic will look to win it all this time around and, in the process, move one step closer to the historic Golden Slam. After winning the year's first three Grand Slam tournaments, the Serbian star put himself in this prime position.
Djokovic opened the 2021 season with his ninth Australian Open title, beating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the final. He then caused a major shock in the 2021 French Open, upsetting 13-time winner Rafael Nadal in an epic semifinal showdown before beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling final where he came back from two sets to love down.
Djokovic then equaled Federer and Nadal's record tally of 20 Grand Slam titles with a four-set win over Matteo Berrettini in the Wimbledon final earlier this month. He now has his sights set on the Golden Slam, a feat that only the great Steffi Graf has accomplished before, winning all four major titles as well as the Olympic gold medal back in 1988.
The Tokyo Olympics is scheduled to start on July 23, while the US Open will take place in New York from August 30 to September 12.
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