Novak Djokovic made his strong debut in Tokyo, where he is one of the great stars. Without Roger Federer or Rafa Nadal at the Olympic event, is the only member of the Big three, something strange for him, as he already confessed at the press conference to present the Serbian team: “I don't have much experience playing in the last 15 years in tournaments without Roger and Rafa … and it's a bit strange”, he assured. Arrives as number one in the world and with the possibility of get the Golden slam, win four Grand slams and the Olympic gold medal in the same year, but not trusted: “There is Medvedev, Tsitsipas, Rublev … they are the biggest competitors to win a medal, although I am clear that here I have to go game by game. I have learned from other times when I have had other distractions”, he warned.
Despite his words, however, the Serbian tennis player is still the king of the Villa. With his aura, already legendary, It has become one of the great attractions of the Olympic event, but not only for the fans, but also for the athletes who have attended it. It is one of the most requested in the photos, the autographs follow one after another and anyone who can try to approach it to share impressions, experiences or, simply, admiration.
Hugo Dellien, his rival in the first round, was no exception. The Bolivian tennis player could not put Novak in trouble, who resolved the match in just over an hour and in two sets (both 6 to 2), but he also did not miss the opportunity to pose with him. In a photo shared through his own Twitter page, Dellien appears with Djokovic, who gave him one of his polo shirts: “The most beautiful memory of my life”, headlines. The magic of the Olympic Games.
The anecdote, however, has not been the only one that the Serbian tennis player has left so far. In their own social networks, has published a photo in which he is seen, smiling and somewhat humorous, doing exercises with the Belgian gymnasts, with Nina Derwael at his side. “I feel good physically and mentally, with a great feeling”He also assured in the aforementioned conference. And it is proving both.
On the track, which stands out for its high temperature, his next rival will be the German Jan Lennard Struff. Number 48 in the ATP ranking, it should not pose any problem, but it should be an increase in difficulty compared to the debut. Even more, with the security and confidence that it is demonstrating. And the precedents. Djokovic, who has already won the ATP 500 in Tokyo on the same track where the tournament is played, makes his intentions clear: “In 2008 I won a medal in Beijing and hopefully now I can repeat for the Serbian team.” The king of the Villa wants to enlarge his throne. On and off the track.