Tennis has been one of the few sports where the top players have missed out on the Olympics. Only a few lucky players have made it to the podium and listened to their national anthem. The medals around the neck are dreams of many, but some think otherwise. Patrick Mouratoglou has spoken about the lack of importance of the Olympics in tennis. In contrast, Novak Djokovic is clear about his Olympic goal.
The Olympics has a rich heritage in the line of sport. Every four years, the top athletes get a chance to make their country proud. It is one of the reasons why Mouratoglou’s opinion did not get much support. He said, “There is no real connection between tennis and the Olympic Games. A lot of tennis players don’t feel that it’s such an important event for tennis.” The 53-year-old feels that the grand slams are on top.
🤔 Patrick Mouratoglou says many players don’t currently consider the Olympics to be important:
“There is no real connection between tennis and the Olympic Games.
A lot of players don’t feel that it’s an important event.”
📸 Patrick’s IG pic.twitter.com/WNzCDpbyaC
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) October 9, 2023
Masters 1000 events, which are also important in the sport. He said that tennis needs to have a long history with the Olympics, and only then will it be different. The sport has seen multiple winners at the Olympics, especially on the women’s tour. On the men’s tour this time, Djokovic will be the favorite to win as his current form is undeniably at its peak.
Novak Djokovic keeps Paris 2024 Olympic games as top priority
The Serbian had carried the flag at the 2012 London Olympics. Djokovic said that it had been his greatest honor. When he was asked about Mouratoglou’s opinion, Djokovic said, “I personally would not fully agree with that because the Games mean a lot to me and I can’t wait to be at the Games” via Sportal. The world No.1 is aiming for the gold medal as it’s the only tennis crown he has not worn yet.
The 36-year-old said that many players do not give importance to the Olympics like grand slams. Djokovic mentioned that the games will always be special to him. He will be participating in his fifth consecutive Olympics in Paris next year. After winning the bronze in singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Djokovic has finished fourth twice at the event.
Novak Djokovic: “I look forward to Olympics. You mentioned Olympics. I hope I’ll be able to play healthy for next year in Paris Olympic Games. It’s going to be played on clay in Roland Garros, so I’m familiar with those grounds. I hope best Olympic result for me will come there.” pic.twitter.com/xlI86ToWZo
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) March 2, 2023
The 24-time grand slam champion, along with Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, are staring at their final Olympics. Murray is the only player to have won two gold medals at the games. Meanwhile, Nadal won the gold in singles at Beijing and won the same in doubles at Rio in 2016. Djokovic will now seek his gold medal on the red dirt in Paris next season.