Tennis

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam singles champion, is gearing up for his fifth and likely final Olympic appearance in Paris. Despite being a dominant force in tennis, an Olympic gold medal remains elusive for the Serbian star.Djokovic has been diligently preparing for the Games, sharing his training regimen on social media. He has been practicing on clay courts and even took a break on a boat, trading his racquets for oars.In his previous Olympic appearances, Djokovic won bronze in Beijing 2008 but missed out on medals in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. He suffered heartbreaking losses in the bronze-medal matches in 2012 and 2021.Djokovic's recent form has been mixed. He was forced to withdraw from the French Open due to a torn meniscus but reached the Wimbledon final, losing to Carlos Alcaraz. Despite the setback, Djokovic remains determined to compete for a medal in Paris."I still have intentions to play Olympic Games [and] hopefully have a chance to fight for a medal for my country," Djokovic said after his Wimbledon loss.The draw for the tennis event will be revealed on Thursday, and fans will be eager to see who Djokovic will face. Potential semifinal opponents include Alcaraz and defending gold medalist Alexander Zverev.Djokovic's pursuit of an Olympic gold medal is a testament to his unwavering determination and competitive spirit. As he enters his fifth and likely final Games, he will be hoping to add the elusive Olympic title to his illustrious career.

Olympic Tennis: Team USA Prepares for Paris Games on ClayAs the Wimbledon Championships conclude, attention shifts to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, where tennis will be played on clay at Roland Garros. Team USA is preparing for the challenge, led by singles players Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul.Bob Bryan, the men's Olympic tennis coach and Davis Cup captain, discussed the team's goals and expectations. "We're focused on getting the guys ready to do their best and try to win a medal," Bryan said. "It's challenging, but our guys are dangerous on anything."Bryan emphasized the importance of embracing the Olympic experience. "I would say enjoy it, soak it up," he advised the players. "Take the blinders off and meet all the other athletes. Hear their stories and do the pin trading."Despite the absence of Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, Bryan expressed support for their decisions. "Everyone's got their personal journey and individual goals for the season," he said. "I understand where they are coming from."Bryan shared memorable experiences from his own Olympic career, including meeting Kobe Bryant and LeBron James in Beijing. "Just being around such greatness was inspiring," he said. "Winning the gold in London was the pinnacle of our career."The team's preparation includes a decision on whether to stay in the Olympic village or a hotel. "We have an option to stay at a nice hotel, but some of the older players might prefer better sleep," Bryan said. "We'll see who decides to participate in the opening ceremonies."Bryan expressed excitement for the upcoming Games. "There's nothing like the Olympic energy," he said. "I believe in our guys and think we have some great chances to win some hardware for the U.S."

A Peek Inside the Olympic Village: Daria Saville's Behind-the-Scenes TourAs the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, Australian tennis star Daria Saville has offered a rare glimpse into the life of an Olympic athlete during the Games. Through her Instagram account, Saville has shared a behind-the-scenes tour of the Olympic Village, revealing the living quarters, amenities, and unique features that make this temporary home for athletes a memorable experience.Saville, who will compete in both singles and doubles with Ellen Perez, showcased the apartment she shares with her teammates Ajla Tomljanovic and Olivia Gadecki. The apartment features two bedrooms, a living space, and a shared bathroom, providing a comfortable and functional living environment for the athletes.One of the most striking aspects of the Olympic Village is its commitment to sustainability. In line with the organizers' goal of making the 2024 Games the "most responsible and sustainable in history," all of the nearly 15,000 beds are made from recycled materials. Saville's tour revealed the unique design of these beds, which are reversible with varying degrees of firmness to accommodate different preferences.Saville and Perez also took the opportunity to test out the beds in various activities, including squat jumps, volley practice, and even racquet smashing. Their playful antics highlighted the durability and versatility of these sustainable furnishings.Beyond the living quarters, the Olympic Village offers a range of amenities to support the athletes' well-being. Saville's tour included a visit to the dining hall, which provides a wide selection of nutritious meals to fuel the athletes' demanding training and competition schedules. The village also features a fitness center, medical facilities, and recreational areas to promote relaxation and recovery.The Olympic Village is not just a place to sleep and eat; it is a vibrant community where athletes from all over the world come together to share their experiences and celebrate the spirit of the Games. Saville's tour captured the camaraderie and excitement that permeate the village, as athletes from different countries interact, support each other, and create lasting memories.

Rafael Nadal, the legendary tennis icon, is gearing up for what is likely to be his final year on the court in 2024. Despite battling injuries and fitness concerns, the 38-year-old remains determined to make his mark on the sport.Nadal's decision to skip Wimbledon this year was a strategic move to prepare for the upcoming Olympics in Paris. The clay courts of Roland Garros, where Nadal has triumphed 14 times, will provide a familiar and advantageous surface for the Spaniard.Nadal's illustrious career has cemented his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, he forms the renowned "Big Three" that has dominated the sport for nearly two decades.Born in Mallorca, Spain, Nadal began his tennis journey at the tender age of four. Under the guidance of his uncle, Toni Nadal, he quickly emerged as a prodigy. Turning professional at just 15, Nadal became the youngest player to win a match on the professional circuit.In 2004, Nadal claimed his first ATP Tour title and played a pivotal role in Spain's Davis Cup victory over the United States. The following year, he captured his maiden French Open title, defeating Federer in the semifinals and ascending to world No. 2.Nadal's dominance on clay has earned him the moniker "King of Clay." His 14 French Open titles are an unparalleled achievement in tennis history. He has also won two Wimbledon titles, four US Open victories, and two Australian Open trophies, amassing a total of 22 Grand Slam titles.In Paris, Nadal will compete in both singles and doubles, partnering with his successor, Carlos Alcaraz. His participation in the Olympics holds special significance as it could potentially be his last opportunity to add to his Olympic medal tally.Nadal's decision to prioritize the Olympics over Wimbledon reflects his unwavering commitment to representing his country and leaving a lasting legacy on the sport. As he prepares for his final year on the court, Nadal's determination and passion for tennis remain as strong as ever.

Tennis will make its grand return to the iconic Roland Garros for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The stage is set for a thrilling battle for gold, with a star-studded field of 184 players from 41 nations vying for glory.Defending champion Alexander Zverev will be looking to retain his men's singles title, while Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova aim to defend their women's doubles crown. Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic will also be back to defend their men's doubles gold.Tennis legends Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Stan Wawrinka will be seeking to add to their Olympic medal collections. Nadal, a two-time Olympic champion, will be aiming for his third gold in men's singles, while Murray, a two-time Olympic champion in men's singles, will be hoping to extend his medal count. Wawrinka, a 2008 Olympic champion in men's doubles, will be looking to add another medal to his tally.The singles draws will feature 64 competitors, while 32 teams will battle it out in men's and women's doubles. The 16 mixed doubles entries will be finalized on July 23.The field includes a mix of established stars and rising talents. Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Carlos Alcaraz are among the young players to watch, while Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Stefanos Tsitsipas will be looking to cement their status as the world's best.With a diverse field and a rich history, the tennis competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. The battle for gold will be fierce, and the world's top players will be eager to etch their names into Olympic history.

Alizé Cornet, the former world No. 11, recently retired from professional tennis after a remarkable career that included four Olympic appearances. Despite falling short of qualifying for a fifth Olympics, Cornet had the honor of participating in the torch relay for the upcoming Paris 2024 Games in her hometown of Nice.Cornet's retirement announcement in April marked the end of an era for French tennis. With 69 consecutive Grand Slam appearances, she holds the record for the most consecutive Grand Slam appearances and is third overall with 72 appearances. Her unwavering national pride was evident throughout her career, as she represented France in four Olympics and 24 Billie Jean King Cup ties, contributing to the team's victory in 2019.While the French Olympic team has yet to be officially announced, several countries have unveiled their rosters. The United States will be led by reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff, while Italy will field world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in singles and doubles. The highly anticipated doubles pairing of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal is expected to represent Spain.The 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11 in Paris, with the tennis event scheduled for July 27 to August 4 on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Cornet's participation in the torch relay serves as a fitting tribute to her legacy and the spirit of the Olympic Games.

Novak Djokovic, the legendary Serbian tennis player, is setting his sights on a coveted prize: an Olympic gold medal. With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, Djokovic is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. However, an Olympic gold medal remains the elusive piece missing from his illustrious trophy cabinet.Djokovic's quest for Olympic glory began at the 2008 Beijing Games, where he won a bronze medal. However, he failed to reach the podium in his subsequent three Olympic appearances. Undeterred, Djokovic is determined to make his fifth Olympics, in Paris 2024, his most successful yet."I hope I can play my best tennis at the Olympics," Djokovic said after being named the 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. "I see the French Open, Wimbledon, the Paris 2024 Olympic and the US Open as the most important block of tournaments in 2024."Djokovic's focus on the Olympics is evident in his schedule. He plans to play the Rome Masters before Roland-Garros, which begins on May 25. This will give him ample time to prepare for the Olympic tennis tournament, which will be held from July 28 to August 4.Djokovic is aware that time is not on his side. At 36 years old, he knows that this may be his last chance to win an Olympic gold medal. "Who knows if I will get another chance to play at the Olympic Games," he said. "I really wanted to play at least until the L.A. Olympic Games [in 2028], but you never know."Despite the challenges, Djokovic remains optimistic about his chances. "If I didn't think [a gold medal] was possible, I probably wouldn't be playing the Olympic Games," he said. "You have to believe that everything is possible in life."Djokovic's pursuit of an Olympic gold medal is a testament to his unwavering determination and his insatiable hunger for success. As he prepares for his fifth and potentially final Olympic appearance, the tennis world will be watching with bated breath, eager to witness whether the Serbian legend can finally add the elusive gold medal to his remarkable legacy.