Olympics 2020: Novak Djokovic to continue Golden Slam quest

Novak Djokovic has conquered all before him this season. The Serbian world No.1 has been in scintillating form, and with three Grand Slam titles under his belt, he has matched Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s tally of 20. He has been close to untouchable, and he will be hoping to scale new heights in Tokyo.

Olympics 2020: Djokovic well-placed to land first gold medal

In 2019, Djokovic walked away with the Tokyo Open on his last visit to Japan. The Olympics surface (deco turf) is the same as the US Open, so it will provide good preparation. Daniil Medvedev will be Djokovic’s biggest threat, but Djokovic is aiming to become the first man to complete the Golden Slam. Steffi Graff (1988) was the only woman to complete that feat.

While Djokovic looks almost untouchable with his 34-3 win record this term, he is in the same half of the draw as Alexander Zverev, and Andrey Rublev. A quarter-final showdown with Rublev on the cards, and if he gets past the Russian, a tantalizing last-four clash with Zverev could beckon. Meanwhile, Andy Murray pulled out of the singles competition to focus on the doubles.

• Novak Djokovic to win his first Olympic gold medal @8/13 with Casumo
• Alexander Zverev to clinch gold for Germany @9/1 with Casumo

US hoping to recover after rocky start in Olympics basketball tournament

For as long as anyone can remember, the US has lorded over their rivals at the Olympics. Although the 3×3 competition is a new addition to the Olympics roster, the traditional basketball tournament is where the US has reigned supreme. However, they will be hoping to get back on track after they were stunned by France over the weekend in their opening match.

Olympics 2020: Could Spain defy the odds in the men’s basketball?

While the current US squad boast some big weapons, including Jayson Tatum, it would be foolish to completely write Spain off. Pau Gasol is likely to be featured at the Games for the final time. He has already been eluded twice before, as he walked away with silver twice. Although the odds are heavily against Spain, can Gasol repeat the feat at Tokyo?

Caeleb Dressel looking to walk in the footsteps of Michael Phelps

Caeleb Dressel has been formidable in the pool, and four years ago at the World Championships, he claimed seven gold medals. The 24-year-old, should he get through the heats, will be the one to watch the 100 m men’s butterfly on Saturday evening. While Michael Phelps is unlikely to relinquish his record of eight gold medals at a single Olympics meet, Dressel will go close.

Olympics 2020: Adam Peaty makes fabulous start to 100 m breaststroke defence

Adam Peaty has been an indomitable force for Team GB over the years. And when it comes to breaststroke, there appears to be few that could claw his title away from him. Peaty was the fastest in the semi-finals as he clocked a time of 57.63 seconds. Peaty is one of, if not Team GB’s most decorated Olympic swimmers.

Perhaps what was more contentious, was that the BBC have scaled down their coverage of Tokyo, and many viewers will have missed Peaty glide into the breaststroke final. BBC have seen their Olympics coverage dwindle over the past few years, while Eurosport has been granted full broadcast rights. However, there have been problems reported with the latter.

• Adam Peaty to win the 100 m men’s breaststroke final @1/20 with Casumo
• Adam Peaty to finish in the top three @1/100 with Casumo

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Katie Ledecky this week. The American — who has five Olympic gold medals to her name — will be eyeing another big meet. She will hope to dominate the women’s 200 m freestyle final on Wednesday providing she qualifies. Ledecky will be fully aware of her compatriot Allison Schmitt’s Olympic record of 1:53.61.

Olympics 2020: Dina Asher Smith given podium boost for women’s 100 m final

The women’s 100 m final on Saturday will be one of the showpiece events, and it will be eagerly anticipated. With a bronze medal to her name, Team GB superstar Asher-Smith will be hoping to go at least one better this time in Tokyo. And her chances of at least making a podium were boosted last weekend.

This came about after her American sprint rival Sha’Carri Richardson was hooked from the Olympics after she tested positive for cannabis use following the passing of her mother. Of course, Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Elaine Thompson Herah are capable of pulling a sub-10.50 run out of the bag, and it will be unmissable viewing.

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