"I simply wanted more privacy" - Novak Djokovic on his decision to avoid the Olympic Village in Paris after deciding to live the experience in Tokyo
Novak Djokovic enters the Paris Olympics aiming to add a gold medal to his trophy cabinet. The World No. 2 has clinched a record 24 Grand Slams through his career but has only won a single bronze medal at the Games.
The veteran has also opted out of staying at the Olympic village at Paris 2024. Serbian team officials confirmed that Djokovic has booked an accomodation for himself for the tournament.
The Serb recently commented on the same highlighting his need for privacy at a press conference:
"I simply wanted to have more privacy, more peace and somehow focus on my routine and preparation for the tournament, which is of course the highest priority."
The 37-year old reflected on his stay at the Olympic village at the 2020 Tokyo Games:
"I decided to stay at the Olympic Village in Tokyo, I might have... one or two nights before the start of the tournament, but I also stayed somewhere else for the tournament because this one, somehow I feel that it is more correct for me and that it is better for me and for my preparations."
Novak Djokovic won his only medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he defeated James Blake in the bronze medal match.
"The end is nearer than the beginning for me" - Novak Djokovic on competeing with younger stars
Novak Djokovic suffered a disappointing defeat in the Wimbledon 2024 finals against the 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz. This marked Alcaraz's second straight win over Djokovic in the finals at the All England Club. The Serb has had a disappointing year so far as he faces his career's longest trophy drought.
At the aforementioned press conference, the 37-year old spoke about the rise of newer talents like Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz:
"Of course, there’s this change of generation and you have Alcaraz and Sinner currently that are two best players in the world, deservedly. They are playing on a very high level, particularly this year. They’re very young, they’re going to carry this sport in the future."
The Serb also reflected on his vast experience over the years seeing generations of players change:
"But I’ve been present for the shift or change of many generations in the last 15 years and I like to see that. Of course, the end is nearer than the beginning for me personally as well but I still enjoy competition and will keep going until I don’t enjoy it anymore."
Novak Djokovic will be joined by several big names in the sport such as Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Andy Murray, Coco Gauff and Katie Boulter as stars and nations gear up to hunt for the gold in the French capital.