Novak Djokovic addresses projected Rafael Nadal matchup, has message for doubters

07/25/2024 09:29 AM

Novak Djokovic was pretty direct in his pre-tournament press conference at the Paris Olympics, saying he is motivated by the fact that people don't consider him the favorite and also added that he is "excited" about the projected Rafael Nadal matchup.

Today, Djokovic drew Australia's Matthew Ebden in the Olympics first round while Nadal will start against Hungarian Marton Fucsovics. If both Djokovic and Nadal make it past their opening matches as expected, they will meet in the second round. That would be their first meeting since the 2022 French Open.

"I am excited for this duel in the second round, and I will give it my all," Djokovic said.

Going into the Olympics, the bookmakers had Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the two favorites. But since Sinner has withdrawn from the Olympics, the bookmakers now have the Serb as the second favorite for the title. 

"I feel good compared to and more ready than I was before Wimbledon. I had many opportunities to win gold and now I have to start taking advantage of them. The fact that I am not the bookmakers' favorite is just a motivation for me," Djokovic said.

"The Olympic Games have always been a great challenge for me. I have focused all my preparation on this tournament. I think I will adapt immediately to the conditions of Roland Garros since we played there two months ago."

In his presser, Djokovic also noted that he is still not thinking about retirement although he knows that some would like to see him walk away from pro tennis. 

"I don't have retirement close in my mind, to be honest even though I know a lot of people would love me to retire so this era is done," Djokovic said.