It's a little phrase, dropped at a press conference, which had the effect of an earthquake.
What if Novak Djokovic, world number 1 and boss of the ATP circuit, does not participate in the next Olympic Games in Tokyo scheduled for this summer from July 23 to August 8?
The question needs to be asked.
This Thursday, after his speedy victory (6-1, 6-0) over the Argentinian Federico Coria (96th) in the quarter-finals of the Belgrade tournament, the Serbian hinted that he could make the dead end on this global meeting.
Olympic gold is however the only major title missing from its incredible record.
“I plan to play in the Olympics if spectators are allowed.
If not, I will think twice before participating, ”said the person after qualifying for the semi-finals.
The organizers of the Tokyo Games have already banned foreign spectators and a decision on the presence of the local public is expected by the end of June.
“Djoko” is not the first tennis star to express doubts about his participation in the Olympics.
Rafael Nadal, world n ° 3, and Serena Williams, winner of 23 Grand Slam titles, recently declared that they were not sure of participating in the Olympics.
Read also World number 1 rider Steve Guerdat has qualms about going to Tokyo
Roger Federer, the idol of the courts, had felt that the athletes needed a firm decision on whether to hold the event, adding that he was still hesitant. Japanese stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori both questioned the very advisability of keeping the Games in Tokyo, already postponed for a year due to the pandemic. Other athletes are also wondering about participation in the Games this summer in the anxiety-provoking health context.
Several parts of Japan are in a state of emergency due to an upsurge in infections, and the Japanese public is widely opposed to hosting the Games this summer. Medical groups have warned that the mass event could introduce new variants to Japan and strain medical resources as the country battles a new wave of the virus.
