The gold medal won by Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics shocked the whole world. Few people expected that Nole would achieve his greatest dream in the last Olympics of his career, although the Serbian champion did not rule out taking part in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles four years from now.
The former world number 1 did not show up in Paris under the best possible conditions, having had a knee surgery recently and having lost the final of the Wimbledon Championships against Carlos Alcaraz just a few weeks ago.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion showed his best performance in the final against the young Spaniard, who was surprised by the level of the Serbian on the iconic Philippe Chatrier. Novak became the first player to win an Olympic gold medal without losing a set, yet another incredible achievement in a simply legendary career.
Djokovic had struggled a lot in the first part of this season, when he had failed to win any titles and often seemed without motivation. The 37-year-old from Belgrade had said several times that winning the gold medal at the Olympics was his greatest dream and he was able to realize it when it seemed impossible. Novak Djokovic has once again proved to be a legend of modern sport and it is not excluded that his career can continue for a long time.
Nole made history
Former coach of Novak Djokovic – Goran Ivanisevic – has no doubts. After the success at the Paris Olympics over Carlos Alcaraz, for the former Croatian tennis player “if Djokovic continues to play like this, he will be the man to beat at the Us Open”. And the former coach of 24-time Slam champion added: “I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in Los Angeles in 2028“.
Ivanisevic was confident that Djokovic could score the Olympic gold. In an interview with TennisMajors, Ivanisevic acknowledged that “winning the Olympic gold was one of the main goals of his career”. And he was one of the most discussed topics when he was his coach: “We talked about it many times. Novak wanted it so much and that’s why it was so exciting for everyone”.
“It’s amazing, it was written somewhere that this would happen. It’s his first trophy this season, an Olympic gold – continued Ivanisevic – He had an injury, a surgery and a bad final at Wimbledon, but on Sunday we saw what can make you want and will. When Novak plays as he can, he is the best in the world, no one can match him. Alcaraz is 16 years younger, hits harder and is faster, but Novak made it look like Carlos was neither younger nor faster nor hit harder. Alcaraz hits hard, but Novak even harder and I think that surprised Carlos, made him a little nervous”. And then he spoke of the upcoming Olympics: “Nole felt that it was time, that he should take advantage of this opportunity, but considering how crazy he is, I would not be surprised to see him in Los Angeles even in 2028″.
Djokovic celebrates
In the meantime, Novak Djokovic went to the Eiffel Tower and took some photographs with his gold medal under the iconic monument of Paris.
es esto lo que los jóvenes llaman AURA ? pic.twitter.com/28MNR6Xgbx
— franco (@franquitodenoIe) August 5, 2024
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has given everything he can to make this dream come true: “Doubts always exist, but faith and the belief that I can achieve my goals are always stronger. I was aware that this was my last chance to win an Olympic gold, so I had to focus fully on my goal. Nothing will ever surpass seeing myself on the podium listening to the Serbian anthem with the flag raised.”
The final of the Paris Olympics between Nole Djokovic and Carlitos Alcaraz was perhaps the best match of the year. World number 1 Jannik Sinner praised these two champions during his press conference in Montreal: “It was a very high-level match, I think everyone agrees with that. It was a very physical match. When two of the best players in the world face each other at the moment, they produce something very special, so it was a pleasure to watch this kind of match and I think everyone really enjoyed. We don’t see this level every day, so it was an amazing match.
Of course I understand [his reaction], but I think he understands it more than anyone else. He tried so hard to get this medal, which was the last thing he needed to accomplish. He knew this in his mind. He was close couple of times, making bronze or fourth a couple of times. This year was his year, and it was just a very nice scene, to see how much this means to him. Also, the reaction of Carlos after. It is the same reaction, but the opposite way. We work for these kinds of things, success. Obviously, Novak has many more years of expectations also. It’s very nice to see.”