Varsha
Novak Djokovic, the 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend, has described winning the Olympic singles gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics as the biggest achievement of his illustrious career. On Sunday, Djokovic defeated the young Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping final, securing a 7-6(3), 7-6(2) victory. This triumph at the fifth attempt marks a significant milestone for Djokovic, completing his career Golden Slam in a memorable fashion without dropping a set in six matches at Roland Garros.
A Historic Victory
Djokovic’s victory is historic in many ways. He becomes the oldest man to win the Olympic singles title since tennis was reintroduced to the Games in 1988. His journey to the gold medal was even more remarkable considering he had undergone knee surgery just two months prior and suffered a heavy defeat to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final merely 21 days before their Olympic clash.
Reflecting on his triumph, Djokovic said, “I won the bronze in my first Olympic Games (2008) and ever since then failed to win the medal and played three out of four Olympic Games in semifinals and couldn’t overcome that obstacle. And then now at age 37, with a 21-year-old that is probably the best player in the world right now, winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back and playing incredible tennis. When I take everything into consideration, this probably is the biggest sporting success I’ve ever had in my career.”
Emotional Victory
The victory was a deeply emotional moment for Djokovic. After sealing the match with a powerful forehand winner, he broke down in tears on the court. He then climbed into the stands to celebrate with his family, including his wife Jelena and son Stefan, and his team. “Until today I thought that carrying the Serbian flag at the 2012 opening ceremony in London is the best feeling that an athlete could have,” Djokovic shared. “This kind of supersedes everything that I imagined, that I hoped that I could experience and that I could feel.”
Determination and Focus
Djokovic’s journey to the gold medal was driven by a sense of determination and focus, especially with the realization that Paris might be his last swing at Olympic gold. Although he did not rule out playing at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, he acknowledged that this understanding motivated him. “I was ready for this tournament and I didn’t drop a set the entire tournament,” he explained. “I knew in the opening two rounds the way I was playing that this is my chance. If it’s ever going to be, it’s going to be now.”
He continued, “When I qualified for the finals, I felt a big relief because that’s the hurdle I wasn’t able to surpass. I did celebrate like I won the tournament. But of course I wanted gold and I knew that I would have to climb the highest mountain there is at the moment, playing Alcaraz.”
A Match for the Ages
The final against Alcaraz was a match of stunning quality and intensity. Djokovic saved eight break points in what he described as a duel like few others he had ever experienced. “I don’t think I’ve ever played, maybe a few times in my life, such a high level for three hours for only two sets,” he said, acknowledging Alcaraz’s impressive performance and fighting spirit.
Conclusion
With this victory, Djokovic not only adds an Olympic gold to his 24 Grand Slam titles but also cements his legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered as the stage where Djokovic achieved his career Golden Slam, a testament to his enduring skill, resilience, and passion for the sport.
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