“He was close”, said the Serbian team captain Victor Troicki for Novak Djokovic‘s disheartening Tokyo Olympics campaign. But, things have changed now. Or at least, the tennis star is trying his level best to make some reparations at the Paris Olympics. This has prompted Nole’s close friend Troicki to draw parallels between the former’s Paris triumphs and his setbacks at the Tokyo Games.

Djoko has been making waves at the quadrennial event. He thrashed Australia’s Matthew Ebden and his arch-nemesis Rafael Nadal in straight sets. Ahead of his third-round contest against German Dominik Koepfer, Serbian Olympic and Davis Cup team captain Victor Troicki voiced one of the greatest pains of the Serbian star.

While talking in an exclusive interview with CLAY, Troicki addressed how the former World No. 1 was advised against his mixed doubles campaign in Tokyo. However, Djokovic being persistent, couldn’t help himself. Unfortunately, this stubborn mindset cost him a medal at the Games. “Well, that’s one of the many mistakes he learned from. He’s stubborn sometimes. Even if everyone tells him you shouldn’t play, if he thinks he should play, he will do it. And will try to prove everyone wrong. And he was close.”

For the unversed, Nole’s Tokyo Games singles campaign went up in smoke after he was dispatched by German talent Alexander Zverev. Consequently, Djokovic’s disappointment with his performance resulted in him pulling out of his mixed doubles bronze medal match with compatriot Nina Stojanovic due to a shoulder injury. The Serb had been competing continuously and over-exertion likely caused troubles in his shoulder.

The Djoker steps into the Games in a tricky position with his knee. Opting to play right after a long Wimbledon run, the Serb needs to ensure his health is pristine if he wants the gold. That being said, he is not looking to make the same mistake twice. The 37-year-old has incorporated his team’s advice in Paris, skipping his participation in doubles events. Furthermore, he has also substituted his staying plan in Paris to bring into effect some significant changes.

Novak Djokovic cites reasons for not staying in the Olympic Village

As of now, Djokovic is enjoying a commendable run at the Olympic Games. Luckily, he hasn’t faced any injury concerns and his performance on the clay courts of Roland Garros has been positive. That was not the case two months ago. He notably went through a knee injury during the 2024 French Open and has since been wearing a knee cap as a preventive measure. Subsequently, Nole is possibly looking to remedy his misfortune this year at the Games in Paris.

Before commencing his dream run at the event, Djokovic was queried about the reason behind his choice not to stay in the Olympic Village. “I simply wanted to have more privacy and somehow focus on my preparation for the tournament, which is of course the highest priority. I decided to stay at the Olympic Village in Tokyo, I might have… one or two nights before the start of the tournament.” If what logic dictates is to be believed, Nole made this decision to avoid another injury hiatus.

The tennis superstar’s quest for a gold medal might bear fruition this season. He is seemingly displaying an impressive form. If Nole manages to maintain his composure, he can advance to the event’s summit clash where he will likely face Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz.