Del Potro had, in fact, stopped Djokovic’s medal run in 2012 by winning the bronze-medal play-off in the London Olympics. “It would mean the world to me to crown my career with gold, it would rank as one of the highest achievements of my career”, he said. “I’ve had bronze from Beijing, in London I fell short, but again I always play with my heart and all I have when I play for my country”. I want to grasp this wonderful energy. “It inspires you and motivates you to give your best”.
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“What happened at Wimbledon is behind me”, said Djokovic who suffered his earliest loss at a Slam in seven years.
But he bounced back by claiming his 30th Masters title in Toronto last week and believes his Wimbledon disappointment has helped his chances of Olympic success. The fact that I have lost in the first week of Wimbledon allowed me to have a week more of the time with my family and just the quality time off the tennis, thinking about other things, recharging my batteries, and then coming in here with plenty of motivation to do well.
The Olympics draw comes out tomorrow, get ready! “I wasn’t expecting to see that many pullout”, said the Serb.
Djokovic had treatment to his right arm during practice on Tuesday but declared himself fully fit and also praised the Olympic Tennis Centre.
If you believe the draw sheet posted online by the International Tennis Federation, the victor of that match scheduled for Sunday is already known, days ahead of time – and it’s del Potro.
Nishikori fought hard to stay in the final set but seemed to be bothered by his rackets as he made multiple trips to the side of the court to change.
Wawrinka and Swiss teammate Roger Federer both pulled out of the Olympics because of injuries.
The Serbian player looks forward to facing Rafa: ‘I hope to play against him, why not!’, said Nole, who then spoke about his shape: ‘I feel very well and I am motivated to make this Olympics as special as possible. I’m trying to respect the same kind of preparation and routine that I have with my team and that I have respected for so many years.
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In the women’s draw, top seed and reigning gold medallist Serena will face Daria Gavrilova in the first round – in the women’s doubles she and sister Venus will tackle Czech pair Lucie Safarova and Barbora Strycova.
