Djokovic : Want to crown my career with gold at Rio

The tennis field has not escaped the desertion at Rio as many stars have pulled out due to various reasons. Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, and Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic will be missing from action, and Novak Djokovic was disappointed at their absences, but still promised a great show in the end with the field still peppered with heavyweights.

"To be honest, I was very surprised. I wasn't expecting to see that many pullout," said the Serb.

"They had their reasons and I have to respect that. But it's still a strong field -- myself, Andy Murray, Rafa Nadal, Kei Nishikori...these kind of guys.

"I am sure we will put on a great show," reported AFP.

Djokovic would look to win the last medal remaining from his cabinet – the Olympic Gold. The Serb won the bronze at Beijing, but failed to finish on the podium at London and would look to complete his trophy cabinet this month.

"It's my number one goal. It would mean the world to me to crown my career with gold, it would rank as one of the highest achievements of my career," he said.

"It comes around every four years, it's a special event. I want to cherish and nurture it. I want to grasp this wonderful energy. It's a privilege to be here."

The World No. 1 had completed a career slam only this year after he managed to win the French Open against defending Olympic champion Andy Murray. But, Djokovic does not like to dwell in past glory.

"Roland Garros is behind me. To win the Grand Slam in Paris was an unforgettable experience, but it's passed.

"They were beautiful memories but I want to live in the present,” he said.

One other thing he would not like to dwell on would be the Wimbledon. Suffering a third-round loss to Sam Querrey, his earliest exit in a Slam in seven years, Djoker's incredible run in Slams had come to an end. But, he looks to take the positive out of that loss.

"What happened at Wimbledon is behind me.

"Actually losing early at Wimbledon actually helped me to recover and rest. Everything happens for a reason. There must be an order to the universe for that to happen," said Djokovic.