Novak Djokovic has officially won every major tennis accolade after beating Carlos Alcaraz to claim an Olympic gold medal.
The Serbian spoke after the match about the effort it took to achieve that at the age of 37. Many tennis fans already considered Djokovic the greatest player ever before he secured an Olympic gold medal.
However, the Serbian has told journalists not to ask him about it, possibly out of respect for his great rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Nadal spoke more openly about the subject after being knocked out by the 24-time Grand Slam champion in the second round.
He called Djokovic the "best in the history" while discussing why he could not trouble him during their match. Nonetheless, ardent fans of Nadal pointed to his 2008 Olympic gold medal as a reason why Djokovic should not be considered the definitive GOAT, arguing that the seven-time Wimbledon champion needed to match that achievement.
Djokovic has never hidden how much winning a gold medal would mean to him. He said many times throughout 2024 that going all the way at the Paris Olympics was a major priority for him, especially at this late stage of his career.
The Serbian played an incredible match to beat Alcaraz in the Olympic gold medal match. There were no breaks of serve during his 7-6, 7-6 triumph. It was undoubtedly one of the best serving performances of his career.
Djokovic spoke to Eurosport's Alex Corretja immediately after his glorious moment. He mentioned what a battle it was against his 21-year-old opponent and that he needed his best tennis to overcome such a stiff challenge.
"Incredible battle, fight. I honestly when the last shot went past him it was the only moment I thought I could win the match. He keeps on coming back and asking me to play my best tennis. It was fair to finish both sets in tiebreak."
The tennis legend then outlined how much effort it took for him to win his first Olympic gold medal. He admitted to pouring everything into making that dream a reality at Roland-Garros.
"I don't know what to say. I'm still in shock. I put my heart, soul, body, family, everything on the line to win the Olympic Gold at the age of 37."
Djokovic also said representing his country at the Olympics created a unique feeling. He mentioned how his current and former rivals Alcaraz, Nadal, Andy Murray, and Roger Federer demonstrated how much playing for their countries at the Olympics means.
"The pride to play for Serbia. Carlos and Rafa love to play for Spain, Andy for Britain, Roger for Switzerland. You just see the reactions when they win. It's special. It's different."
It will be fascinating to observe whether Djokovic can keep finding motivation after his Olympic triumph. He has nothing left to achieve in the game. His fans will hope continuing to compete for Grand Slams is enough motivation on its own.
For now, the Serbian can revel in what he achieved in Paris. His pure happiness and emotion after the match will live long in the memory of those on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
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