Djokovic ‘ready to perform’ at his best at Tokyo Olympics

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - Novak Djokovic said Thursday he is 'ready to perform' at his best at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which begins Friday.

At a Team Serbia news conference, the world’s top-ranked tennis player said he feels great physically and mentally and could not have had better preparation or lead-up to the Games than he had this year.

He said he is eager for a chance to play for the Golden Slam -- winning all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold in the same calendar year.

That feat has been accomplished just once by Steffi Graf of Germany in 1988.

Djokovic, 34, cited his admiration and respect for Graf and said he would like to ask her how she did it.

Djokovic, who won bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has better odds this year of grabbing gold.

Top players, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem will not play in the 2020 Games after a one-year delay.

In 30 Grand Slam finals, Djokovic has won 20, including nine Australian, two French, six Wimbledon and three US titles.

If Djokovic wins the US Open tournament, he would make history with the most Grand Slam titles.