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Novak Djokovic Admits He Feels a ‘Bit Strange’ Without Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at Tokyo Olympics 2020

Published 07/23/2021, 7:00 AM EDT

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World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is having a phenomenal season. He recently lifted his 20th Grand Slam title at the Wimbledon Championships 2021 and equaled both his arch-rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, in the Grand Slam tally.

Novak Djokovic recently arrived in Tokyo for the Olympic Games. He’ll be eyeing the Gold medal this year and his chances are quite high since both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have already withdrawn from the tournament.

via Reuters

In a recent interview, Djoker admitted that he hasn’t played too many big tournaments without facing either Rafa or Roger in the last 15 years. Interestingly, it’ll be the first time in 20 years when both of them are not playing at the Olympics.

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“I have not experienced too many big tournaments in the past 15 years without Roger and Rafa playing,” said Djokovic in the interview.

Nole has only faced Nadal once at the Olympics. They met at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where Rafa emerged as the winner. Interestingly, the Spaniard went on and won the Gold medal at that tournament.

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“A little bit strange”- Novak Djokovic on playing at Tokyo without Nadal and Federer

Djokovic further added that he is feeling a little bit strange without the presence of Roger and Rafa at the Tokyo Olympics. Even though their absence has made his path easier, he is certainly not used to playing at big tournaments without them.

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via Reuters

“So it’s a little bit strange to be honest because I’m used to seeing at least one of them,” concluded the 20-time Grand Slam winner.

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After winning three Grand Slams this year, Novak Djokovic can come one step closer to accomplishing the Golden Slam if he succeeds at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. He’ll be facing Hugo Dellien in the first round of the tournament tomorrow. Fans have huge expectations from him and want him to continue playing the way he is playing. Will he be able to win his maiden Olympic Gold in Tokyo?

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FRUSTRATED! Novak Djokovic Breaks Racquet During Practice With Alexander Zverev at Tokyo Olympics 2020 Practice

 

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Written by:

Anshul Singh

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Anshul Singh is a tennis author at EssentiallySports, currently pursuing Journalism Honors from Delhi University. Having significant experience with content, Anshul has authored over 500 tennis articles. He has previously worked as a writer and an editor for DU Express, penning riveting articles on sports, politics, and culture.
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