Novak Djokovic has the opportunity to create an icing on the cake as he prepares himself for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. What is the meaning of a golden slam?
Novak Djokovic has done nothing but continued to raise the expectations this year when most have yet to accomplish even half of what he has. Novak Djokovic has produced some of the best Tennis when under the pump to leave the fraternity in awe. And nothing short of a golden slam should do justice to what has been the Serb’s peak.
At a time when several top athletes kept pulling out of the Olympics for a host of personal reasons, Novak Djokovic announced his participation rather enthusiastically. It seems a false narrative that the 34-year old is arrogant and does not respect his fans enough.
But Djokovic acknowledged a young Japanese fan and revealed his decision of joining Serbia for the Olympics. Djokovic put all the doubts regarding his participation to rest, arising due to lack of crowds and stringent COVID-19 restrictions.
A Golden Slam well on Novak Djokovic’s sights: What is its meaning for him?
Steffi Graf remains the only player in history to have won a golden slam – clinching all four grand slams and an Olympic medal in 1988. Djokovic, who won his 20th major in Wimbledon and tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, is well on track to achieve a golden slam.
In recent times, Djokovic has hardly found competition, even from the likes of Federer and Nadal. Roger Federer’s injury-laden period, coupled with underwhelming displays, made 2021 his worst year thus far since debuting 22 years ago and reached his peak.
The 39-year old’s long-standing knee injury forced him to pull out from the Olympics too. On the other hand, Rafael Nadal has fared slightly better in 2021. He won his last grand slam event in 2020 as against Roger Federer, whose most recent one was in 2018.
Rafael Nadal withdrew from both Wimbledon and Tokyo Olympics 2021, citing the need to prolong his career. If memory serves us well by the end of 2021, the semi-final encounter between Djokovic and Nadal was one of the best matches witnessed. It might go down as such this year, with one grand slam tournament event.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal had tough time against Novak Djokovic in Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic’s peak form has caused troubles for almost all Tennis players. But the Serbian has been anything but at his best throughout Wimbledon. Yet, he has more than convincingly defeated his opponents. He does struggle and concedes a set or two; however, brings an unparalleled energy and gameplay when his backs are against the walls.
Novak Djokovic At Tokyo Olympics 2020
Thus, on current form, even Roger Federer, the eight-time Wimbledon champion, would have lost comprehensively. Rafael Nadal, who has won Wimbledon only once and lost to Djokovic on his most liked surface, would have had his predicaments too.
With as many as ten players set to miss the Olympics, it further raises Djokovic’s chances of winning a golden slam. It should hardly come as a surprise if the 34-year old manages to emerge victorious in the Olympics and the US Open. Djokovic deserves nothing less and has earned the right to go a notch higher than his two arch-rivals.