Majchrzak 'so proud' to represent Poland at Tokyo 2020
Kamil Majchrzak knows how it feels to win a gold medal for his nation.
Seven years after winning the 2014 Youth Olympic Games boys’ singles gold in Nanjing, the 25-year-old Pole is making his Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 – and he couldn’t be prouder.
“It feels amazing,” admitted the world No. 115, fresh off the practice courts with his compatriot Hubert Hurkacz on Wednesday. “I’m so proud to represent my country. To be here at the Olympic Games is just an incredible feeling that I was dreaming about all my life. I cannot be more satisfied, but now is no time to be satisfied. It’s time to work hard, do your best and be satisfied after.”
Majchrzak defeated Brazil’s Orlando Luz to win their Youth Olympic Games final in China over half a decade ago. The stakes are higher, and the competition will be more fierce, but he is not going to give anything less than his all in search of a return to the podium at the Ariake Tennis Park.
“It’s a completely different tournament [to the Youth Olympic Games],” Majchrzak acknowledged. “We’re no longer juniors. Here we play with the best players all over the world. It’s a big difference. We compete against big names like Novak [Djokovic], like Daniil [Medvedev], like Hubi [Hurkacz]. It’s going to be very difficult to repeat that success, but I will do my best.
“I’m hoping for the best tournament of my life so far. I’m really looking forward to starting the Games here in Tokyo.”
Majchrzak’s enthusiasm just to be in the environment is contagious. As he seeks every advantage in pursuit of improving his tennis performance, the Olympic village has provided an excellent learning ground.
“It’s quite interesting to see all the guys and talk with the different sports, different disciplines,” he said. “It’s pretty interesting to watch them practicing. We can only watch them practice in the gym, but it’s still very impressive knowing that we are here around the best athletes in the world.”
Majchrzak, of course, doesn’t have to look far for one of the best tennis players in the world. His team-mate, world No. 12 Hurkacz, will rank among the medal prospects heading into the Olympic Tennis Event following his semi-final run at Wimbledon earlier this month.
“He motivates me very much,” Majchkzak admitted. “I’m trying to do my best in practice with him, to give him the best quality as possible. It’s very inspiring… I’m looking forward to join him at the top!”