As the Tokyo Olympics 2021 is just around the corner, we explore the five players from the men’s singles category in tennis who could win the gold medal and give our predictions
With only a few days to go for the Tokyo Olympics to start, the excitement is indeed sky-high. The COVID-19 outbreak forced the global event into postponement last year, but the stage is set this year for the athletes to rock and roll. There are as many as 59 sports in the Tokyo Olympics and Tennis is one the most important amongst those.
While Tennis was part of the Olympics since its first edition, it was dropped after 1924 before returning in 1988. It was indeed a landmark year for Tennis, not only in the Olympics but also otherwise. Steffi Graf became the first golden slam winner that year as she lifted all the grand slam titles and clinched the Olympic gold medal.
Hence, one of the men’s players, who marked his availability amid several withdrawals, remains in line to replicate what Graf did. Even as many renowned athletes chose to skip the event for various reasons, there are still promising ones participating. Hence, they will look to seize those opportunities and make their country proud.
Five men’s singles tennis players who could win the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics predictions
Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas might be a surprise pick; however, he is undoubtedly one of the most promising players of this era. Stefanos Tsitsipas has shown marked improvement on the clay surface as he reached the semi-finals in 2020, followed by the final in 2021. But the Greek lost to Novak Djokovic on both occasions.
But after Roland Garros, the 22-year old has not been at his best. Tsitsipas exited in the first round by losing to Frances Tiafoe in Wimbledon 2021, followed by losing in the quarter-finals of the Hamburg Open. But the Greek, ranked number four, will have a point to prove as he aims to put his career back on track.
Hubert Hurkacz
Hubert Hurkacz surprised one and all by consigning eight-time Wimbledon champion to a straight-set defeat in the quarter-final this year. To face Roger Federer, Hubert Hurkacz had beaten world number two Daniil Medvedev. Hence, Hurkacz has punched well above his weight in 2021 so far.
But despite losing to Matteo Berrettini in his maiden slam semi-final, the Pole entered the top 15 for the first time by grabbing the 11th spot. Thus, the youngster could bring a fresh breath of energy in the Tokyo Olympics this year and pull off some upset.
Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev is yet another player, who would enter his maiden Olympics event. Alexander Zverev has undergone a decent 2021 thus far, winning his 15th ATP Masters 1000 title by defeating some top-notch players. Zverev overcame Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, and Matteo Berrettini for his accomplishment.
The 24-year old also reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open this year and the semi-finals of the French Open. However, he exited in the fourth round of Wimbledon as Felix Auger-Aliassime upset him. But Zverev, the world number six, is the highest-ranked player amongst a strong German contingent. Hence, winning a gold medal would be the ultimate goal.
Daniil Medvedev
World number two Daniil Medvedev has not had the kind of year he would have hoped. Yet, Daniil Medvedev has conjured promising results. The 25-year old won the ATP Cup for Russia, reached his second slam final at the Australian Open, and lifted the Mallorca Championships title.
But Medvedev has also delivered underwhelming performances at the French Open and Wimbledon, exiting in the quarter-finals and fourth round, respectively. Nevertheless, as a world number two and in the absence of certain players, there would be expectations from him. It would be his first-ever Olympics event and his skill set sees him feature in our Tokyo Olympics predictions.
Novak Djokovic
World number one Novak Djokovic is perhaps the most obvious choice to win the gold medal in the Olympics this year. Novak Djokovic’s participation remained under doubt as several stalwarts pulled out of the event for several reasons. However, the Serbian confirmed it via Twitter enthusiastically.
Novak Djokovic has enjoyed a stellar and has maintained his reputation when his other two rivals have remained inconsistent. The 34-year old has won all three grand slams this year, creating a plethora of records. Djokovic, who has never won a gold medal in the Olympics, will aim to clinch it and take the first step towards becoming the golden slam winner.
Also Read: Roger Federer Withdraws From Tokyo Olympics 2021 Owing To Injury