Novak Djokovic is celebrating his amazing victory at the Paris Olympics, where he won the gold medal and finally realized his greatest dream. The former world number 1 has achieved one of the most important successes of his career, reversing the predictions of the eve that considered Carlos Alcaraz clearly favored in the final.
The Spaniard – 16 years younger than Nole – played on his favourite surface, but had to give up on a flawless performance by his opponent. The Serbian champion won the Olympic tournament without losing a single set, yet another record in an epic career. Many wonder if Djokovic will be able to find new motivation after winning the only title he was missing. The former world number 1 struggled often in the first part of this season and had not yet won a title before the Olympics, also suffering several unexpected losses.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he does not want to retire and that he is still motivated to compete at the highest level. Novak is expected to play the Cincinnati Masters 1000 as the only test before the US Open, which will be played in New York at the end of August. The Serbian will have to defend his titles won in Cincinnati and at the US Open last year.
Nole continues to impress
Hardly anyone expected that Novak Djokovic would make this impression on the red clay of Paris, where he had injured his knee a couple of months ago. Former world number 1 Russian tennis player Yevgeny Kafelnikov commented on the outcome of the Olympic final in an interview with Tennis Majors. And, besides highlighting the merits, the situation regarding Novak Djokovic who completed the Career Golden Slam, or won at least once all 4 Grand Slam events and the Olympic gold medal in singles, also spoke about the social approach of Serbian tennis fans.
Kafelnikov explained his position: “It’s so fun to see Novak’s fans on social media. Before they said that the Olympics were not important, now they find it important, say that it was necessary for him to win them”. Kafelnikov, who won two Grand Slam tournaments in his career, the 1996 Roland Garros and the 1999 Australian Open, also has a gold medal in the singles at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Final won in 5 sets over Tommy Haas.
Kafelnikov has been keen to clarify his position and said that for him “the Olympic gold is as good as a Grand Slam title”. But the Russian tennis player added: “The day before the match, I tweeted that this final was the most important game of Novak Djokovic’s career. I was absolutely sure. If Novak lost on Sunday he would have regrets for the rest of his life about this match. It won and later proved the truth of my words. To be honest, it’s so fun to see Novak fans on social media. Before they said that the Olympics were not important, now they find it important, say that it was necessary for him to win them”.
Djokovic is still celebrating
After winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic went to the Olympic village to celebrate with other Serbian athletes. On that occasion, the 24-time Grand Slam champion met judo legend Teddy Riner and the two hugged.
Quand deux légendes se rencontrent… 🤩#EnsemblePourLHistoire #Paris2024 #FierdEtreJudoka pic.twitter.com/gwtIUGQR0M
— France Judo (@francejudo) August 5, 2024
Speaking with Tennis Majors, Goran Ivanisevic also paid tribute to Nole: “When he really wants it, nobody can beat him, regardless of who is across the net. He was smart, he played aggressively and hit every shot with conviction. Alcaraz hits hard, but Novak hits even harder! I think that surprised Carlos, made him a bit nervous. It is easier said than done, but that’s the key – to make Alcaraz nervous and to force him into some errors.”
He continued: “I am so glad that he finally won this gold. I wish him 25th Slam, to break the absolute record, and then he can retire, although he will never retire, this guy. I think he can find the motivation, the gold will lift him. If he plays like this, he is the man to beat at the US Open.”
Novak has made many changes in his team in recent months and his collaboration with Ivanisevic is over. The Serbian champion does not have a real coach at the moment, but he has managed to accomplish a huge feat. During the press conference, Djokovic said he would like to participate in the Olympics in Los Angeles in four years. The 24-time Grand Slam champion wanted to show that he was still motivated despite his age and the rise of young talents.