Tormented Djokovic dreams of gold and worries
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is just two wins away from his first Olympic gold. In the Paris singles quarter-finals, the Grand Slam record holder defeated Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 6:3, 7:6 (7:5) without dropping a set. However, the 37-year-old is once again facing health issues, with problems in his right knee plaguing him on his way to the first gold medal. "I'm concerned about the state of my knee. I can't exactly say what it is," said Djokovic, who underwent surgery for a meniscus tear in June: "The medical team needs to look at it, and I hope for the best."
During the match, the world number two remained unfazed by the pain in his already injured knee from the French Open or a 0:4 deficit in the second set. After receiving treatment twice on the court, he saved three break points at 3:5. In a thrilling atmosphere on Court Philippe Chatrier, Djokovic converted his first match point after 2 hours and 3 minutes.
In the semi-finals on Friday evening, Djokovic will face Italian Lorenzo Musetti, who defeated Alexander Zverev. In the other semi-final, Spanish Wimbledon and French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz will face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Djokovic won bronze in 2008 and finished fourth in 2021 after losing to the eventual champion Zverev in the semi-finals. "I would most want Novak to win the gold medal here, considering his career," said Zverev on Thursday.
In Agassi's footsteps
Djokovic would join Andre Agassi as the only second player to achieve all major singles titles: world number one ranking, wins at all four Grand Slam tournaments, ATP Finals victory, and Olympic gold. Roger Federer won Olympic gold only in doubles, while Rafael Nadal never won the ATP Finals.
Meanwhile, another great tennis career is coming to an end on the Olympic stage: A day after Angelique Kerber's exit, British Andy Murray also bid farewell. The two-time Olympic singles champion lost in the quarter-finals of the doubles event with Dan Evans against American duo Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul 2:6, 4:6. The 37-year-old Murray, who became the only tennis player to win two singles gold medals in 2012 and 2016, did not compete as a singles player in Paris. Shortly before the Games, the Scot announced that Paris would be his last tournament.
Despite his knee issues, Djokovic's determination remained unwavering, as he claimed, "He's not a good player if he can win despite these challenges." Following his victory, questions arose about his chances of achieving a career milestone, with Zverev expressing his wish, "I would most want Novak to win the gold medal here, considering his career."
