Novak Djokovic: Olympic gold 'would be highest achievement' of my career

A gold medal is the biggest prize missing from the world number one's trophy cabinet after he finally won the French Open in June, becoming the first man in 47 years to hold all four grand slam titles at once.

Djokovic has always taken immense pride in representing Serbia and won a bronze medal in singles in Beijing and then finished fourth in London, having carried his country's flag at the opening ceremony.

"It would be ranked as one of the highest if not the highest achievement that I would have in my career," said Djokovic.

"But I've got to stay humble, I've got to take a very cautious mindset into this Olympic Games. I have a bronze from Beijing, London I fell short but I always played with my heart and all I had when I play for my country.

"The Olympic Games is much larger than tennis, much larger than you. The first thing I felt when I stepped into the village was that incredible active energy. It inspires you and motivates you to give your best."

Djokovic's winning grand slam run came to an end with a shock third-round loss to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon.

But he bounced back by claiming his 30th Masters title in Toronto last week and believes his Wimbledon disappointment has helped his chances of Olympic success.

The 12-time slam winner said: "I couldn't have asked for a better start to the hard-court season, obviously hard court being my most preferred surface.

"I was looking forward to competing in Toronto and everything happens in life for a reason. That extra week allowed me to regroup mentally, physically, emotionally, spend some quality time with my family, think about something else and then obviously get ready and be prepared better for what's coming up.

"Toronto was a great week, no sets lost, and I'm ready. I'm really very much looking forward to the Olympic Games."

Djokovic had treatment to his right arm during practice on Tuesday but declared himself fully fit and also praised the Olympic Tennis Centre.

Russian player Svetlana Kuznetsova described the facility as "a mess", but Djokovic said: " I've practised three times and the courts are in a great state, everything is ready."

Only half the men's top 10 have made the trip to Brazil.

Swiss pair Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka are sidelined by injury, Milos Raonic and Tomas Berdych pulled out over Zika concerns while Dominic Thiem chose to prioritise the ATP Tour.

Asked if he was surprised by the withdrawals, Djokovic said: " Honestly I am. I wasn't expecting to see that many players from the top of the tennis world pull out but each one of them had their own reason and I respect that.

"We still have a strong field with (Andy) Murray, (Rafael) Nadal, myself, (Kei) Nishikori, (Jo-Wilfried) Tsonga. We are all here and we are of course going to put on a great show."

The saving grace for the tournament is that three of the 'big four' are present, with Djokovic joined by defending champion Murray and Nadal.

There were major doubts over the Spaniard's fitness after more than two months out with a wrist problem but he confirmed he will play in both singles and doubles.

Nadal said: "I was talking with the whole team and the team decided that I am going to play so I'm going to try to practise for the next couple of days.

"It's not the ideal situation but my captain (Conchita Martinez) had confidence that I am the best option to try to get a positive result for our country.

"The wrist is not 100 per cent perfect but the best thing is that after six hours of practice the wrist is not worse. That is great news."

Nadal will carry Spain's flag at the opening ceremony on Friday. The Beijing gold medallist had been due to perform the honour in London but was forced to pull out through injury.