The golden grand slam is on. Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will participate in the Tokyo Olympics as he bids to become the first man in history to win all four majors plus an Olympic singles gold medal in the same year.
Djokovic, who had previously said he was “divided” about competing in Tokyo due to the absence of fans and the restrictions imposed on athletes in light of the coronavirus pandemic, announced his intention to compete on social media.
“I booked my flight for Tokyo and will proudly be joining #TeamSerbia for the Olympics,” the world No 1 wrote on Twitter. “For me, the game for Serbia has always been a special joy and motivation and I will do my best to make us all happy.”
Djokovic has long drawn inspiration from representing his country. Serbia’s first Davis Cup triumph in 2010, in which he won two singles matches, was a pivotal moment in Djokovic’s career, igniting his quest for grand slam glory in earnest. The Serb, who had just one major to his name at that stage, went on a tear the following year, winning three grand slams as he compiled one of the greatest seasons in the history of men’s tennis.
Djokovic will be hoping that history repeats itself in Tokyo, where his cause should be aided by the absence of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem, to name but a few of the high-profile players who have withdrawn. With the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles already in the bag this year, a gold medal in the Olympic singles would leave Djokovic requiring victory at the US Open in September to complete a golden slam. Germany’s Steffi Graf is the only player in history to have accomplished the feat previously, in 1988.
Djokovic, who won the 20th major of his career at the All England Club last weekend, moving him level with Nadal and Federer at the top of the all-time list, had raised doubts about his participation in the Olympic following his Wimbledon victory. He described the decision to stage the Games without spectators as “really disappointing”, and also expressed concern about not being allowed to watch other athletes live and the inability to travel with his usual entourage.
“My plan was always to go to Olympic Games, but right now I’m a little bit divided, it’s kind of fifty-fifty,” he said.
Djokovic’s decision to put aside those reservations is indicative of the seriousness with which he is taking his latest assault on the record books.