Djokovic shuts down GOAT talk ahead of Olympic campaign

Novak Djokovic arrived at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in position to capture a near-mythic Calendar Year Golden Slam, something last accomplished by Steffi Graf in 1988. Though the achievement would undoubtedly set himself apart from rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the world No. 1 shut down attempts to reignite the GOAT conversation in Tokyo.

"I don't want to be part of the debate," he said. "I don't want to compare myself with anybody. I have my own part and my own journey. I don't want to spend time and energy thinking about what if happens. I'm just focusing on the next match.

"I know history is on the line. I'm privileged and motivated to be in this position, but let's talk about the history if everything goes well here after I finish the tournament.”

Djokovic won bronze at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and though he is yet to stand atop an Olympic podium, he aims to stay focused on one match at a time. With years of experience under his belt, he's learned to separate himself from outside noise, which could play an important part of his Tokyo campaign.

"I put myself in a very good position. I will take things very slowly and cautiously, and focus on the next challenge. This is a kind of approach that I need to have," Djokovic told press in Tokyo.

With his most recent victory at Wimbledon, Djokovic tied both Federer and Nadal with a remarkable 20 Grand Slam titles each. A dominant force on tour, he has held the top spot for over 300 weeks in addition to sweeping the first three major tournaments in 2021.

He will kick off his Olympics campaign by taking on Bolivia's Hugo Dellien.