Ever since Novak Djokovic won a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open, his status as the greatest tennis player of all time has been absolute.
The GOAT debate has always been fiercely contested by rival fans of the Big Three, partially because Djokovic still had to prove his mettle at the Olympics as both Roger Federer (doubles) and Rafael Nadal (singles and doubles) had previously won gold medals.
On a sunkissed Philippe Chatrier on August 4th, 2024, it was Djokovic's day of destiny as he proved beyond reasonable doubt why he is indeed the greatest. Fittingly, it was on the same court that left him unable to walk after a grueling fourth-round match at the French Open in early June.
So what are the achievements tied to Djokovic's historic win at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
Oldest Olympic Singles Champion
At 37 years and 73 days old, Djokovic is the oldest Olympic singles champion (male or female) since tennis returned to the Olympics in 1988. In fact, no player aged 30 or above won a gold medal in singles at that time.
Fifth Player To Win "Golden Slam"
Djokovic became only the fifth player in history to win the career "Golden Slam". This is the equivalent of winning each of the four Grand Slams plus an Olympic gold medal, joining his old foe Nadal, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams.
But what separates Djokovic from the elite group is that he is the oldest to do it, at 37, after overcoming a torn meniscus on his knee in two months and defeating the best player in men's tennis right now, who is 16 years his junior.
In possibly the most challenging season of his career, which went into full crisis mode after Roland Garros in June, by virtue of it being the longest trophyless start to his season since 2005, this success felt like a tidal wave. It was inevitable.
Serbia's First Tennis Gold Medal
Since Serbia returned to the Olympics as an independent nation in 2008, Djokovic was the only athlete to win an Olympic tennis medal for his country (bronze from Beijing).
But by reaching the final at the 2004 Paris Olympics, he guaranteed his country's best possible podium finish in tennis. Djokovic has now won Serbia's first tennis gold medal at the showpiece event.
First Man To Win Olympics Gold Without Dropping A Set (singles)
Djokovic fulfilled his Olympics dream in the most remarkable way, as he did not drop a set all tournament in Paris. He had to fend off a handful of set points along the way, most notably against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinal, when he came back from 3-5, 0-40 down on the Greek's serve in the second set.
He also saved eight decisive break points in the final against Carlos Alcaraz and pinched two tie-breaks for the win. Although he has not won a Grand Slam without dropping a set in his entire career, Djokovic has now raised the bar at the Olympics, as he did not drop a set en route to gold.
Most "Big Titles" Of Any ATP Player
The ATP has a distinguished list of tennis players who have won the most "big titles". This list features the highest levels of competition, including Grand Slams, Masters 1000s, ATP Finals, and Olympics.
Before the Paris Olympics, Djokovic led in every category over closest rivals Nadal and the retired Federer, with 71 titles, of which 24 were Grand Slams.
After the Olympic Games, Djokovic extended his "big titles" lead to 72 after winning his first Olympic gold medal, which means there is not a single metric of this comparison that the other two members of the Big Three have eclipsed him at.
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