The Dark Horses at Tokyo Olympics 2020 Who Can End Novak Djokovic?s Golden Slam Run

With the Tokyo Olympics less than a week away, players and fans are gearing up for the world’s biggest sporting event. Moreover, it is time for the athletes to not play for themselves but become a representative of their country. Thus, the competition would indeed be more spectacular and incomparable.

In the men’s singles tennis event, Serbian World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is inarguably the favorite. Winning three Grand Slams in 2021 so far, he will contest for the gold medal as the top seed this year.

Apart from the Serbian ace, there are many other favorites eager to claim the Olympics champion title. However, it is the dark horses that they must be wary of at the Games.

Read More: Has Novak Djokovic Won An Olympic Medal?

Players to keep an eye on at the Tokyo Olympics?

Although these players might not be clear favorites, they have enough potential to cause the biggest of upsets. The dark horses at Tokyo Olympics are Diego Schwartzman, Kei Nishikori, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Hubert Hurkacz, Marin Cilic, Karen Khachanov, Aslan Karatsev, Ugo Humbert, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Frances Tiafoe.

Diego Schwartzman – Argentina Olympics Tennis Team

Despite an inconsistent 2021 season, the Argentine World No. 11 Schwartzman would be a crucial contender for a medal. His withstanding ability in longer rallies could make a difference in Tokyo.

Moreover, he will be the leading man on the tennis team for Argentina. Schwartzman will also play doubles with Facundo Bagnis.

Kei Nishikori – Japan Olympics Tennis Team

The home-favorite and former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori would have all the attention during the Games this year. Also, he has put forward some stunning performances that will make fans expect more from him in the Olympics.

With WTA World No. 2 Naomi Osaka leading the women, Nishikori will be the leader for the men for Team Japan. In 2016, Nishikori stole the Olympics bronze medal from Rafael Nadal and could improve the results this time.

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Hubert Hurkacz – Olympics debutants

Canada’s Felix and Poland’s Hubert ended their Wimbledon 2021 campaign against Matteo Berrettini in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. However, they are improving their game with every passing tournament.

Therefore, it would be interesting to see them do wonders in Japan. If they are successful, it would also boost their career massively.

Tokyo Olympics: Marin Cilic, Karen Khachanov, and Aslan Karatsev?

In the Rio Olympics, the 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic dropped out in the third round. But this time around, the Croatian star will want to give it his all, considering it is a potential opportunity for a medal at the Games.

Besides him, the Russians Khachanov and Karatsev are also frequently doing well on the Tour. Plus, they both have the mindset to beat even the best on any given day. The two will take part in singles and the doubles category with Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev, respectively.

Also Read: Marin Cilic, Karen Khachanov, and Other Tennis Players Troll Tokyo Olympics 2020 Rooms

Ugo Humbert, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Frances Tiafoe

Frenchman Humbert, Spaniard Carreno Busta, and American Tiafoe are the underdogs in every tennis tournament. They all put in the time and effort to bring out their best results. Hence, Tokyo could be the time their labor receives its fruit.

The tournament commences on July 24, 2021, and will see tennis stars competing for the medals. Most significantly, it will be Djokovic who has the most to lose as he attempts to become the first male tennis player to complete the Golden Slam.

Will he pull off the ultimate tennis reward, or will the dark horses would get the better of him?

Watch this story: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Others Winning Medals of Glory at Olympic Games