The 2020 Tokyo Olympics was as eventful and entertaining as it could be. Tennis fans, in particular, enjoyed the gala event and all the drama it had to offer. From big wins to surprise defeats, the event delivered more than it promised. Given the remarkable season he had up till then, undoubtedly, Novak Djokovic was the player to look out for. The Serbian was at the heart of the action right till the end of the tournament; however, not in the best way.
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Coming on the back of three successful title-winning campaigns, Novak Djokovic was guaranteed gold. However, not only did he lose gold, but the World No. 1, returned home empty-handed.
Despite all his efforts, he failed to make a podium finish in both the singles as well as the doubles category. Reflecting over the same, his mixed doubles partner, Nina Stojanovic, posted an emotional note on his Instagram, revealing her heartbreak at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“It was an honor and privilege”- Nina Stojanovic
Nina Stojanovic paired up with Novak Djokovic for the mixed doubles event at the Summer Games. The duo was termed as one of the best going forward as they played some wonderful tennis, qualifying for the semis. However, they had to settle for a shot at Bronze after failing to beat doubles specialists, Elena Vesnina and Aslan Karatsev.
Sadly enough, Novak had to withdraw from their Bronze medal clash, due to an injury in an earlier game. As a result, his partner Nina also missed out on a chance of a medal. Reliving her feelings now, she posted an emotional note, saying, “then and now. Only I can know the feelings I dealt with once I had found out I will not have the chance to play the most important match of my career for the Olympic medal.”?
Nina Stojanović on Instagram following her bittersweet #Olympics experience 👇🏻 #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/yJ2ze2DEMk
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) August 4, 2021
“I also recognize how much this particular event filled me with the deepest emotion possible and brought me lots of happiness as well. I want to say that I am grateful first of all for being there among all the best athletes in the world of sports. And It was an honor and privilege playing with the best in the history of our sport, for your own country,” Nina further added.
Watch this story:?How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel
Concluding her bittersweet post, she said, “Thank you everyone for your messages of support and love you gave me through this period. Hvala vam! Year keeps on going, new challenges await. I will appreciate every minute spent in Tokyo Olympics 2020.”
A heartbreaking end for Novak Djokovic and team Serbia
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Undoubtedly, Novak was the favorite for gold going into the tournament. Right till the end, he lived up to his number 1 rank, playing in the form of his life. However, a shock defeat followed by another, and another, ruined his chances of a medal, let alone gold. Devastated in disparity, Novak bowed out of the tournament, not in the most fashionable way.
Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Novak went head to head with Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta?for a final shot at Bronze. However, an animated Novak lost yet again, as he smashed racquets, threw a few, and earned himself a warning on the court.
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Fans watched, stunned, as the once believed unstoppable, Novak Djokovic, was now beaten thrice in two days. Following his shocking defeat, just hours before his next game, Novak withdrew from the mixed doubles bronze match, denying his partner a chance of a medal too.
While he stated injury as the reason for his withdrawal, critics believe otherwise. Regardless, the world of sports sympathized with the 25-year-old Nina Stojanovic, who paid the price of partnering with the World No. 1.