Novak Djokovic interview about Olympics

Here is an interview Novak Djokovic did for ITF Tennis site, called "Olympic spotlight on...Novak Djokovic". Novak talks about Olympic Games and Serbian team chances.

Q: What are your early memories of the Olympic Games?

ND: I always dreamed of playing in the Olympic Games.In the first place, because the Games has the biggest tradition in sports and it's an event which unites all the professional athletes all around the world. It's very special. I remember as a kid I followed every single Olympics and I always liked to see the opening ceremony which had special memories for me as a person. Looking at this year's Olympics, I'm really looking forward to play and participate in such a great event.
Q: After what Serbia has been through over the last couple of decades, is the Olympics important in uniting the country?

ND: Yes, it certainly is. I'm always trying to look at the brighter side of life. We have had a lot of difficulties over the last 25 years. Our success is something that sends a much better picture and brighter picture to the world, and the Olympics is a very special competition for all of us.


Q: When you watch the Olympics, is it the opening ceremony that you look out for the most?

ND: I think so, yes. There are some talks about me holding the flag in the opening ceremony, so if I'm able to do it, I'll be more than happy and pleased. Of course, the opening ceremony at the Olympics is the most watched opening ceremony in all sports in the world.

Q: Away from tennis, what sport do you want to watch the most in Beijing?

ND: I think athletics is the sport that most characterises the Olympic Games. Athletics has the biggest history in the Olympics, and this is something that I really want to watch. And plus, of course, basketball, which brought a lot of Olympic medals to our country. I'll be more than happy to see lots of sports.
Q: Will you be staying in the village?

ND: Yes, what I'm looking forward to most is the village. So many athletes, the best professional athletes in all the sports. Everybody can have lunch together and meet each other, so I think this is the best experience.

Q: If there was another sport you could choose to compete in at the Olympics, which would it be?

ND: Well, I think after tennis my favorite sport is skiing, but, of course, this is a Winter Olympics sport. But in Beijing, I'm not sure. Maybe a 100-metre sprinter.

Q: Serbia looks like it will have quite a few opportunities for a medal, both in the men's and the women's events. What would that mean to you?

ND: Well, we don't have so many candidates for medals. In the last Olympics, we had only I think one or two medals, which was not so encouraging for sport in our country. But I think this year is quite different. We have tennis, and I think we all have quite good chances to win the medals, so it's good for us.

You can also listen this interview here.

(source ITF Tennis)