‘Don’t ask me about it’ – Novak Djokovic refuses to answer GOAT question at Olympics
Novak Djokovic told reporters not to ask him about the debate over who is the greatest tennis player of all time after his victory over Rafael Nadal at the Paris Olympics.
The legendary Serb also assessed that competing at the Olympics is “a little more intense” than playing Grand Slam events because of the “tension.”
At the 2024 Paris Games, Djokovic is chasing a first Olympic gold medal — the only major tennis prize to have eluded him in his incredible career.
The 37-year-old is competing at his fifth Olympics and it could be his last appearance, given he will be 41 by the time of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Djokovic achieved his best result at the Olympics on his debut in Beijing in 2008, where he secured a bronze medal. The Serbian lost the bronze medal match in both 2012 and 2021 in London and Tokyo respectively, while he fell in the first round in Rio in 2016.
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The 24-time Grand Slam champion defeated Nadal in the second round in Paris on Monday in the 60th match of the pair’s remarkable rivalry.
In his press conference with Serbian journalists after beating Nadal, Djokovic was asked if the debate about the greatest tennis player of all time had ended.
Djokovic replied: “That’s for you journalists, don’t ask me about it.”
The world No 2 was also gave his thoughts on the difference between playing at the Olympics and tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments.
“If I have to compare, I’d say it’s a little more intense [at the Olympics] because you’re representing your country,” Djokovic said.
“You can feel the tension, the atmosphere is different. Interest in the match was great. I played an almost perfect match, it got a little complicated, but I felt good and with a lot of confidence.”
On the prospect of a potential showdown with Carlos Alcaraz in the gold medal match, Djokovic said: “Hopefully I can get to that match, that means silverware is guaranteed.
“It is not appropriate to talk about it now, so as not to be disrespectful to the rivals. There are many good players there – [Alexander] Zverev, [Stefanos] Tsitsipas, a lot needs to be predicted.”
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