Novak Djokovic has now won everything there is to win in tennis, and he says his most recent accomplishment – earning gold for his country at the Paris Games to complete the career Golden Slam – may just top the list.
The tennis legend defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-2) in the final at Roland Garros, joining Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams as the only players to have won four Grand Slams and Olympic gold.
Djokovic, who had already won three career Grand Slams (the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open), made no secret of his desire to capture gold for Serbia in the Olympics.
In 2016, he lost in the first round of the Rio Games, and in 2020, he lost in the semi-finals.
After defeating Lorenzo Musetti in the semi-finals of the Paris Games, Djokovic won his first Olympic gold medal match, having previously finished third at the 2008 Beijing Games.
And on Sunday, he realized his desire with a victory over Alcaraz, and, despite having won a record 24 Grand Slams and setting a new record for most weeks at No. 1 in the ATP Rankings, he hailed it as “arguably the biggest success I had”.
“I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now,” he told me. “Feeling a variety of emotions. Too prideful. Too joyful. I’m thrilled about the prospect of winning gold for my country for the first time in my career. Arguably my biggest success.
“I probably won everything in my individual career. Winning the Davis Cup, specifically the gold medal, at the age of 37 is unique for Serbia. I am just getting started with my party. “I’m excited for the upcoming 48 hours.”I am extremely glad for the opportunity to win a historic gold medal for my country. To finish the [career] Golden Slam. “To finish all the records.”
Olympics Tennis News
Novak Djokovic becomes the first man to achieve a unique Olympic feat, matching Serena Williams for the overall singles record.
Novak Djokovic joins Rafael Nadal as one of five players to have completed a career Golden Slam.
Djokovic and Alcaraz battled for nearly three hours, and he became the first man to win the Olympics without dropping a set. He is also the oldest Olympic gold champion, at 37 years and 74 days.
“It was an incredible fight, and I had to play my best tennis,” the Serbian explained.
“It was fair that both sets ended in tiebreaks. I gave my heart, soul, and everything to earn gold.
“I did it for my country first, for Serbia.”
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