Nicolas Mahut: The goal is to go to Tokyo and win a medal

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Doubles World no. 3 Nicolas Mahut says his goal is to win an Olympic medal in Tokyo next year and that he would take a call on his career after that. Speaking to Ouest France, the former World No. 1 in doubles says, "(The postponement of the Olympics) was an almost inevitable decision, it was not a shock but rather a disappointment.

I had planned my season according to the Olympics, so I had to digest it. But quickly I switched to 2021. I feel capable of arriving in shape in a year." Mahut says his goals are aligned with that of countryman Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

"It is too early to plan on a program. But we know how to speak and the objective is of course to go to Tokyo and win a medal. We have the same objective at this level." Speaking about his retirement plans, Mahut, who is 38 years old, says he will take a call on his retirement after the Olympics next year.

"Quite honestly, I planned to take some time out at the end of this year to think about what I wanted to do. Would 2020 have been my last? Would I have continued? From the moment the Olympics were postponed, I will take this moment of reflection in a year.

Today is too early to tell. This is not an answer that I want to take lightly. At my age, I cannot stop to start again, as some have been able to do. If I continue, I want to know why I am doing it." Mahut has completed the Career Grand Slam at the 2019 Australian Open, following victories at the 2015 US Open, 2016 Wimbledon Championships and 2018 French Open partnering Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

The Frenchman was also part of the longest match in professional tennis history against John Isner in the first round of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships.