Olympic medallist insists Novak Djokovic is not under pressure to win gold at Tokyo Games
Former world No 2 Alex Corretja has insisted Novak Djokovic should not put pressure on himself to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, with his place as a tennis icon long since assured.
Djokovic is aiming to win his first Olympic title in Tokyo, as he attempts to piece together a golden Grand Slam, after already winning the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles in 2021.
Speaking to Tennis365 at a discovery+ event, the Spaniard who won a bronze medal in the 2000 Games in Sydney believes Djokovic’s presence in Tokyo has boosted the profile of tennis in the Olympics.
Djokovic breezed into the quarter-finals of the men’s singles at Tokyo 2020 after beating Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Wednesday and he will face Kei Nishikori in the next round, with Corretja insisting the Serb needs to cash in at a moment when he is clearly a few steps ahead of all of his rivals.
All business 🇷🇸@DjokerNole moves three wins away from #Gold – easing past Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-1 to set a mouth-watering QF clash vs Kei Nishikori#Tokyo2020 | #Tennis | #Olympics pic.twitter.com/RaTjTTeWnv
— ITF (@ITFTennis) July 28, 2021
“Novak felt in his heart he wanted to go to the Olympics. Otherwise, he would stay at home and get ready for the US Open,” stated Corretja.
“I am pleased that he decided to go to Tokyo. Tennis should be thankful that he decided to go and he should not feel extra pressure to win the gold.
“I don’t think he has anything to prove in Tokyo. He is No 1, he has 20 Grand Slams, more weeks than anyone at No 1, so he doesn’t need to win the gold to prove anything.
“Of course, if he is at 100 per-cent physically and mentally, he has a great chance to win, but it is different to win over best of three compared to best of five.
“Novak has arrived with a lot of power and although he still has the hardest part with very top level rivals like Zverev or Medvedev. No doubt it is a very attractive tournament and we can also have some surprises, but Novak is clearly the man to beat.”
Corretja also gave his verdict on Naomi Osaka’s exit from the Tokyo Olympics, after her shock 6-1, 6-4 defeat at the hands of Marketa Vondrousova.
“It is difficult for any athlete to compete after such a long time and so many things that Osaka has been through and so little preparation,” he added.
“Naomi had a lot of negative feelings before the competition started, imagine what it is like for her emotionally to have carried the Olympic torch at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games. Also, Naomi has the pressure to play for her country and to do her best and that obviously doesn’t help.”
Watch every unmissable moment of Tokyo 2020 live on discovery+, The Streaming Home of the Olympics
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz on THAT point against Daniil Medvedev – ‘Something happened to my feet’
“Points like this one give me extra motivation to put a smile on my face.”