Novak Djokovic confirms his participation in Tokyo Olympics
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has confirmed his participation at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, even as a number of top players - including Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem - have withdrawn.
Djokovic, who completed a Double Career Slam at Roland Garros this month, has not won an Olympic gold medal. That is the only major crown missing from his cabinet, and he will be keen to secure it this year.
On Tuesday, the Tennis Association of Serbia confirmed to the Sports Journal that Novak Djokovic is part of their Olympic team.
"Novak confirmed his desire to participate in the Olympics, and we have already sent the list with his name to the Olympic Committee of Serbia. It will be forwarded from there," the governing body said in a statement to the Sports Journal.
Novak Djokovic had previously hinted his participation in Tokyo Olympics would depend on fan presence
Earlier this year, Novak Djokovic had suggested that his participation in the Tokyo Olympics would be contingent on the presence of spectators. The Serb wasn't sure of playing the Games in the absence of fans.
"I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity," Djokovic had said ahead of this year's Roland Garros.
"If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not," he had added. "Right now I am planning to go, and I'm very excited about that."
Earlier this week, the Olympics organizers announced that they would permit a capacity of 50% spectators for the event. The announcement might have spurred Djokovic to go ahead with his participation in the Games.
Rafael Nadal, a gold medalist at the 2008 Olympics, as well as reigning US Open champion Dominic Thiem, are among the most prominent names to have withdrawn from the event.
"I have decided not to participate at this year’s Championships at Wimbledon and the Olympic Games in Tokyo," Nadal, who was beaten by Djokovic in the semifinals at Roland Garros this year, wrote on Twitter last week. "It’s never an easy decision to take but after listening to my body and discuss it with my team I understand that it is the right decision."