Novak Djokovic isn’t a stranger to many achievements, is he? The Serb has gone on to win the most Grand Slam titles in men’s singles, with 24 trophies lying in his cabinet apart from a host of other big titles won. However, one major honor that Djokovic has yet to achieve is winning an Olympic gold medal, something that has eluded him for years. As a result, Djokovic is trying out something different this time around.

Djokovic’s best run at the Olympic Games has been a third-place finish at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In the last edition, he came close to bettering it but lost in the semifinals against the eventual champion, Alexander Zverev. However, with memories still afresh about that heartbreaking defeat, Djokovic will stay with his wife Jelena, instead of the Olympic Village in Paris this year.

The reported reason behind Djokovic opting out of the Olympic Village is that he wants peace and focus, something that is not available in the village. He wants to dedicate his full efforts to winning the gold medal for his country. Although he will visit the village to greet his Serbian teammates, Djokovic will have personal facilities to train and prepare for the mega event.

In Jannik Sinner’s absence, Djokovic will be the top seed in the tournament and the favorite to win the gold medal. It will potentially be Djokovic’s last shot at winning the yellow metal for his country. As a result, he is as determined as ever to clinch the top honor at the Paris Olympics and achieve the missing piece in his illustrious career.

Olympics a ‘huge desire’ of Novak Djokovic

The Serb has come close to winning a gold medal at the Olympics on numerous occasions but has missed out every time. At 37, this will potentially be his final appearance at the quadrennial event, and as a result, Djokovic will have one last chance to win the elusive gold medal.

After his ATP Finals win in Turin last year, Djokovic set off his ambitions for the Paris Olympic Games, saying, “The Olympics are a huge desire of mine – it’s a unique opportunity, I have a bronze from Beijing 2008… A lot of things are different at the Olympics – you can’t bring your whole team, some of the routines you usually have are limited, there are a lot of athletes from other sports, which gives you the energy on one hand, but it drains you on the other… All those things you mentioned – I want it all, why not, and we’ll see where it ends.”

Although Djokovic is the top seed in the tournament, he has had a nightmarish draw. After facing Matthew Ebden in the opening round, the Serb will potentially face Rafael Nadal in the second round. Despite the Spaniard battling injuries this year, he will give his all as his retirement nears. As a result, Djokovic would have to be at the top of his game if he were to have a chance of winning the gold medal in Paris.