Paris 2024: Djokovic Hails Olympic Gold as Career’s Biggest Triumph

Novak Djokovic called winning the Olympic singles gold medal against Carlos Alcaraz, on his fifth attempt, the greatest achievement of his career on Sunday.

The 37-year-old Serbian ended an eight-month trophy drought with a stellar performance, defeating Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-6(2) to complete his career Golden Slam at Roland Garros, without losing a set in six matches.

Djokovic, now the oldest man to win the Olympic singles title since tennis returned to the Games in 1988, achieved this feat just 21 days after being defeated by Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final and two months after undergoing knee surgery.

Djokovic, proudly wearing his medal, expressed his joy to reporters: “I won the bronze in my first Olympic Games (2008) but had failed to win a medal since, playing in three out of four Olympic semi-finals and never overcoming that obstacle. To achieve this at age 37, against a 21-year-old who is arguably the best player in the world right now, is incredible.”

Considering all these factors, Djokovic stated, “This is probably the biggest sporting success I’ve ever had in my career.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion displayed a level of tennis that had been missing earlier this year to fend off Alcaraz. After sealing the win with a forehand winner at the end of a near three-hour battle, Djokovic was overcome with emotion, crying on the court before celebrating with his family and team in the stands.

“Until today, carrying the Serbian flag at the 2012 opening ceremony in London was the best feeling an athlete could have,” he said. “This surpasses everything I imagined, hoped, or felt.”

Djokovic did not rule out participating in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 but admitted that the realization that Paris might be his last chance at gold had spurred him on. “I was prepared for this tournament and didn’t drop a set the entire time. I knew early on that this was my chance. When I reached the finals, I felt a huge relief because I had never gotten past that stage before. I celebrated like I had won the tournament already, but I still wanted the gold.”

During the match, Djokovic saved eight break points in what he described as one of the highest-level matches he had ever played. “I don’t think I’ve ever played, maybe a few times in my life, at such a high level for three hours for only two sets,” he said. “Credit to Alcaraz for a great tournament and an incredible fighting spirit.”