Novak Djokovic has announced his intention to emerge as the last survivor of the ATP’s Big 4 era as he played the Paris Olympics.
The Serb who takes the top Olympic seeding after the illness (tonsillitis) withdrawal of no. 1 Jannik Sinner, vowed that he will extend the fading tennis golden era as the third member of the quartet wraps up his career in Paris.
Andy Murray, aged 37 like Djokovic, will retire once his run in Olympic doubles is done, with Djokovic determined to claim the label of undisputed survivor.
Roger Federer retired in September, 2022, and 38-year-old Rafael Nadal has been limping along with injury for the past two or more seasons but is keeping his future plans under wraps.
Djokovic, who will skip the Olympic village in the far northern Paris suburbs in favour of VIP private accommodation said “I don’t have retirement on my mind even though I know a lot of people would love me to retire so that this era is done,” Djokovic said.
“But I think as long as there is at least one of us left, I think the era is still going.”
He added as the draw was made on Thursday for Saturday’s start: “I hope that Andy will have the best possible farewell in his last competitive match here in the Olympics, for him and his country, “He is a legend of our sport, he has been an incredibly important player for tennis globally.
“Nadal, the same, even more so with all the results and achievements he has had, particularly in this city, in Roland Garros.
“He still didn’t say when his last tournament will be, so hopefully for the sake of the sport, he can keep going.”
Djokovic faces a possible second round match against the No. 161 Nadal if both get past first-round opponents.
Murray is saving his energy for a final fling at Olympic doubles after pulling out of singles due to issues with his healing back injury.
