Tennis

Novak Djokovic made a triumphant return to competitive tennis, crushing Greek player Ioannis Xilas 6-0, 6-1 in the Davis Cup World Group I tie on Saturday. The victory marked Djokovic's first match since his shock third-round exit at the US Open.Playing in front of his home crowd at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Djokovic displayed his dominance from the outset. He lost just 15 points in the entire match, showcasing his exceptional form and determination to bounce back from his recent setback.Djokovic's victory gave Serbia a 2-0 lead on Day 1 of the two-day tie against Greece. World No. 53 Miomir Kecmanovic had earlier opened the tie with a 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 713 Aristotelis Thanos.The Greek team was without their star player Stefanos Tsitsipas, who withdrew ahead of the tie due to a back injury. Despite Tsitsipas' absence, Greece put up a spirited fight, but they were ultimately outmatched by the superior quality of the Serbian team.The tie between Greece and Serbia was one of 12 promotional ties taking place this weekend. The 12 winning nations from the World Group I ties will qualify for the 2025 Davis Cup qualifying round next winter.Djokovic's performance in Belgrade was a clear indication that he is back to his best and ready to challenge for more Grand Slam titles. The Serbian maestro will be looking to add to his record-breaking tally of 21 Grand Slams when the Australian Open gets underway in January.

Novak Djokovic, the tennis legend with an unparalleled Grand Slam record, faces a daunting challenge as he sets his sights on the elusive Olympic gold medal. Despite his remarkable achievements, this honor has remained out of reach, leaving a void in his illustrious career.Djokovic's Olympic journey has been marked by a series of setbacks and disappointments. In Beijing 2008, he claimed bronze, but his hopes were dashed in London 2012 and Rio 2016, where he suffered early exits. In Tokyo 2021, he entered the tournament as a Grand Slam champion but succumbed to fatigue and injury, failing to secure a medal.The pressure on Djokovic is immense, not only from his own competitive spirit but also from the patriotic expectations of his Serbian countrymen. Serbia has a rich Olympic history, but its medal count pales in comparison to neighboring nations. Djokovic's success would bring immense pride to his country.However, Djokovic's path to Olympic glory is fraught with obstacles. Young rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged as formidable threats, and the Olympic format, with its compressed schedule and multiple disciplines, poses unique challenges.Djokovic's struggles at the Olympics are puzzling, given his dominance in other tournaments. Some experts attribute it to the intense pressure and the need to balance singles and doubles play. Others point to the unpredictable nature of the Olympic draw, where upsets are common.Despite the setbacks, Djokovic remains determined to conquer the Olympic mountain. He acknowledges the difficulty of the task but draws inspiration from his past experiences of overcoming adversity. He believes that his competitive spirit and resilience will serve him well in Paris.As Djokovic prepares for his final Olympic campaign, the question remains: will he finally break the Olympic curse and add the elusive gold medal to his trophy cabinet? The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, but Djokovic's unwavering determination and the support of his nation will drive him to give it his all.

Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, has confirmed his participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics, marking his fifth Olympic appearance. The announcement comes after Djokovic underwent knee surgery following his withdrawal from the French Open.Djokovic's decision to compete in Paris is a testament to his unwavering determination and competitive spirit. Despite the recent setback, the 37-year-old is eager to return to the court and represent his country on the grandest stage.The Serbian Olympic Committee expressed its delight at Djokovic's confirmation, highlighting his exceptional achievements and the honor he brings to the nation. Djokovic's presence in Paris will undoubtedly bolster Serbia's medal hopes in tennis.The tennis events at the Paris Olympics will commence on July 27 at Roland Garros, the iconic venue of the French Open. Djokovic's participation in Wimbledon, which begins on July 1, remains uncertain as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.Djokovic's Olympic record stands at a bronze medal, which he earned in his debut at the 2008 Beijing Games. The Serbian star will be aiming to add to his Olympic legacy in Paris and cement his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.