The Wimbledon final left Novak Djokovic dejected, but he has better things to look forward to. The 2024 Paris Olympics! The Serbian star previously competed in the 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympics, but Paris will be his last Olympic dance. No doubt, he feels patriotic and wants to walk away with a win for his country. However, Martina Navratilova has some concerns that are valid.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova talked about how it’s not going to be easy for the Serbian tennis star to get started with the Olympics just after finishing Wimbledon. In a discussion on the Tennis Channel, she stated, “So, basically, two weeks after Wimbledon is over Olympics start, and the top players who had played here really but such a short turnaround, and then you’re there and it’s emotionally exhausting physically exhausting and then they go on the hard courts.”

Navratilova isn’t wrong here. Exhaustion is the main reason several tennis players opted to not be a part of the Paris Olympics. This includes Ben Shelton, Sebastian Korda, and Frances Tiafoe from the US. Many international WTA stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, and Emma Raducanu did the same.

But coming back to Djokovic, Navratilova further talked about how the Tokyo Olympics affected him. “I think they’ll be really, you know, tongues hanging out at the US Open. I think they’ll be okay for the Olympics, but how much energy do you have? I think it cost Novak Djokovic the Grand Slam three years ago, and now they’re doing it again. It’s going to be tough more than the surface, it’s just the emotional and mental stuff that will get you down.”

As per Navratilova, Djokovic was worn out after the Tokyo Olympics and was not ready for the US Open, where he lost in the finals.

Regardless, Djokovic will concentrate on the Paris Olympics, following his fierce battle in the Wimbledon final, where he just lost out on the title to Carlos Alcaraz. There are worries that history may repeat itself because of the possibility that his preparation and performance in Paris may be impacted by the mental and physical strain from Wimbledon.

Interesting Fact: If Novak Djokovic successfully plays in Paris, he will join Lu Yen-Hsun as the only two men with five career Olympic singles appearances.

Additionally, let us not forget Djokovic’s age. He is 37 and not the same young player he once was. The age factor could have an impact as he looks forward to his tight schedule. And Martina Navratilova is of the opinion that age makes things a lot more difficult.

Navratilova, the oldest Olympic tennis player, shares how age affects an athlete!

Martina Navratilova stated that following his titleless start to the 2024 season, even a player like Novak Djokovic could experience doubts. She stated, “You have to have it (doubt) no matter what. Even if you don’t have it, the press reminds you. I wouldn’t worry about it if you have Novak’s mindset, and I’m sure he’s not worried about it at all.”

She noted that “the bad days are worse” for players as they age, emphasizing how the physical and psychological strain of the game may have a greater toll. But hey, Navratilova understands the pressure better than anyone. She became the oldest tennis player at the Olympics at age 47 (2004) after surpassing the mark set in the 1924 Paris Games by 46-year-old Australian Norman Brookes.

But with Novak Djokovic, there is one thing that might affect his performance more than his age. In June, he underwent surgery, and after a three-week recovery from a partial meniscectomy, found himself competing at the Wimbledon. That’s quite a feat to pull off! As per Burnham Sports Medicine, return to high-level sports can take 3-4 weeks after this surgery.

With the 2024 Paris Olympics too, do you think Novak Djokovic is risking it? Let us know in the comments below.