Former world number one Boris Becker has opened up about the disappointing world number two Novak Djokovic faced after failing to complete his Olympics dream in 2016. The 37-year-old is regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles.
Despite those numbers, Djokovic still has unfinished business in arguably the biggest competition on the planet: the Olympics. The Belgrade-born star has never won a medal for his country, something he would like to ideally change as the Paris Olympics begin in less than a week’s time.
Becker, part of Djokovic’s coach staff during the 2016 Olympics, has opened up about how disappointing the legendary tennis star was after losing in the first round to former Argentinian player Juan Martín del Potro. Becker revealed that he could not speak to Djokovic for the first couple of days as it was the ‘biggest disappointment’ of his career. The former German star further revealed that disappointment was down to Djokovic’s love for his country and that he is desperate to win something for Serbia despite achieving so much on the court.
“He lost to Del Potro in the first round and you just couldn’t speak to him for the first couple of days as he was heartbroken,” he said. “It was one of the biggest disappointments in his career, but there you go. He has so many great victories in his career, but you could see the disappointment. He showed how proud he is to be Serbian. He loves his country more than anything else in the world. That is why this Olympics will be so important for him.”
Djokovic’s best appearance at the Olympics came in the mixed doubles category, where in 2020, he and her partner Nina Stojanovic finished fourth as they withdrew from the Bronze medal clash against Australia’s Ashleigh Barty and John Peers.
Every time I walk on to Centre Court, I am filled with such gratitude that I am living out my childhood dream. Thank you to my entire team, partners, family, friends and #nolefam for all of your support throughout the last few weeks. Onwards. Felicidades, @carlosalcaraz. Well…
