The top 3 contenders for a medal at the Olympics in Rio have given their nod for one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, three of the Big Four in tennis will start their race for Olympic gold from the 6th of August.

Winning Olympic gold is a priceless achievement, but for the three of them, it is going to be extremely significant in their own ways.

Novak Djokovic – 

Ever since Boris Becker joined the coaching team of Djokovic, the Serbian has ascended to greater heights by breaking multiple records and winning a total of 12 Grand Slams- which puts him behind only Federer(17), Nadal(14), Sampras(14) and tied with Roy Emerson. After achieving the Career Grand Slam, what remains is the glistening gold medal of the Olympics. The closest Djokovic has ever come is winning the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Andy Murray – 

The turning point of Murray’s career came in 2012 when he won the London Olympics men’s singles gold medal and a silver medal in mixed doubles on grass, his strongest surface and in front of the home crowd. Since then, it has been more about the hits rather than the misses. The Olympics success was followed by US Open victory in that very year and Wimbledon glory in 2013 and 2016. He is the defending champion this year and is a favourite to win.

Rafael Nadal – 

The only player apart from Andre Agassi to have completed the Career Golden Slam is Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard had won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. It is the only Olympic medal that the number 3 seed has won. It will be Nadal’s first major tournament after pulling out of the French Open this year due to wrist injury. Hence, his performance this time will be very crucial in shaping his game for the rest of the year after his comeback.