The scorching heat and oppressive humidity have taken a toll on many tennis athletes during the Tokyo Olympics 2020. While Russian Daniil Medvedev claimed that he might die because of it, Spaniard Paula Badosa retired in a wheelchair. Now, Serbian Novak Djokovic has said that these are the most demanding conditions he has ever faced in 20 years of his professional career.

Due to his and other players’ plea, the tournament organizers pushed the start time from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Hence, the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals are likely to give players a better fighting chance.

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Novak Djokovic on the grueling conditions at the Tokyo Olympics

Without a doubt, all tennis professionals have experience playing in various demanding conditions. However, the 78 degrees Fahrenheit on every single day has indeed emptied their energy.

“I did experience certain similar days, one day in Miami or New York, or sometimes it happens here and there, but it’s one or two days, and then it passes. Here is every single day. So, it’s really draining players’ energy, and you just don’t feel yourself,” Djokovic said.

Although Djokovic is glad that the tournament pushed forward from 11:00 am, he expected it to be earlier. In addition to that, he emphasized that not only he, but six out of eight quarterfinalists agreed with him.

Earlier, Medvedev struggled past Italian Fabio Fognini to reach the quarterfinals. During that match, the chair umpire asked him whether he was feeling okay, and he said, “I can finish the match, but I can die.”

This leaves no doubt as to why the Serb called the conditions “really brutal.”

“I’ve played tennis now professionally for 20 years, and I’ve never faced this kind of conditions in my entire life on a consecutive daily basis,” Djokovic said.

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Will change of schedule help tennis players in the Olympics?

Unquestionably, the late start to the matches will not see as much heat as the morning does. Hence, players could engage in longer rallies, and most importantly, play their natural game freely.

As for Djokovic, he is two wins away from confirming a medal in Tokyo. He will need to pass the home favorite Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals.

All in all, the organizers made the right decision to give players a fighting chance against unfavorable conditions. Now, it remains to be seen who takes the most advantage of this.

Do you think Djokovic will win the gold medal in Tokyo Olympics?

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