Novak Djokovic reveals 'weird thing' about Paris Olympics

07/25/2024 07:00 PM

Novak Djokovic is looking forward to the Paris Olympics as he has a clear goal he wants to accomplish but admits it will be "weird" playing the Olympics at Roland Garros. 

When Djokovic landed at Roland Garros earlier this week, he arrived at a very familiar place since he has been a regular at the event since 2005. But some things are different about playing at Roland Garros this time since it is not the French Open and it is also not late May. 

"It’s also going to be a little bit weird playing in the biggest stadiums in Roland Garros, but actually playing an Olympic tournament. [It’s] also a different crowd, a different public coming to watch you play and support. It’s [going to be] much louder. That’s what Olympics is all about. Really bringing sport that unites the world and brings people from all around the world to watch you play and represent your country. I just love it," Djokovic wrote in a column for the ITF.

After winning the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Djokovic lost the bronze medal matches at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics, while he exited the 2016 Rio Olympics in the first round. 

The last Olympics were especially painful for Djokovic, who was looking dominant in his first few matches and even had a 6-1 3-1 lead against Alexander Zverev in the semifinal before suffering one of the biggest collapses of his career and losing that match and eventually the bronze medal match versus Pablo Carreno Busta. 

But Djokovic doesn't want to dwell on it. Instead, he wants to use all of his past Olympic experiences in Paris and achieve his last big dream - to win a gold medal. 

"The Olympics are so unique. Just being in that village, you feel incredibly inspired and proud to be there. But also I’m going to learn from my previous Olympic experiences and try and keep my routine so that I can perform my best," Djokovic said.