Novak Djokovic’s surprising victory in the Paris Olympics sent shockwaves around the world. Few anticipated that Nole would achieve his lifelong dream in his final Olympic appearance, despite the possibility of competing in the Los Angeles Games four years from now.
Arriving in Paris with recent knee surgery and a loss in the Wimbledon Championships final against Carlos Alcaraz, the former world number 1 faced less than ideal circumstances. However, Djokovic showcased his exceptional skills in the final against the young Spaniard, leaving spectators in awe of his performance on the iconic Philippe Chatrier court. Notably, Novak became the first player to secure an Olympic gold medal without dropping a single set, yet another remarkable feat in his legendary career.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion encountered numerous struggles earlier this season, often lacking motivation and failing to secure any titles. Despite this, the 37-year-old from Belgrade consistently expressed that winning the Olympic gold medal was his ultimate aspiration. Against all odds, Djokovic proved that dreams can become reality. His triumph solidified his status as a modern sports legend, and there is no ruling out the possibility of his career enduring for a significant period.
Goran Ivanisevic, former coach of Novak Djokovic, holds unwavering confidence in his former protégé. Following Djokovic’s victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the Paris Olympics, Ivanisevic stated that “if Djokovic continues to perform at this level, he will be the player to beat at the US Open.” Furthermore, Ivanisevic expressed his belief that seeing Djokovic compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics would not be surprising.
Ivanisevic’s faith in Djokovic’s ability to secure the Olympic gold medal was unwavering. In an interview with TennisMajors, Ivanisevic acknowledged that winning the Olympic gold was one of the primary objectives of Djokovic’s career. The topic frequently arose during their coaching sessions, as Djokovic’s desire for the prestigious accolade was palpable.
The former Croatian tennis player further emphasized Djokovic’s incredible achievement, stating, “It’s amazing, it was written somewhere that this would happen. It’s his first trophy this season, an Olympic gold.” Ivanisevic highlighted Djokovic’s resilience and determination, noting that despite Alcaraz’s youth, power, and speed, Djokovic outmatched him in every aspect. Ivanisevic concluded by stating that considering Djokovic’s unwavering drive, he would not be surprised to see him compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In the meantime, Novak Djokovic took the opportunity to capture memories at the Eiffel Tower, proudly displaying his gold medal beneath the iconic Parisian monument.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion poured his heart and soul into achieving this lifelong dream, stating, “Doubts always exist, but faith and belief in my ability to accomplish my goals are stronger. I knew this was my final chance to secure an Olympic gold medal, so I dedicated myself entirely to this objective. Nothing will ever surpass the feeling of standing on the podium, listening to the Serbian anthem while the flag is raised.”
The Djokovic vs. Alcaraz final in the Paris Olympics may have been the highlight match of the year. World number 1 Jannik Sinner, during a press conference in Montreal, praised both players for their exceptional performance. Sinner described the match as a high-level and physically demanding encounter between two of the best players in the world. He expressed his delight in witnessing such an extraordinary match, acknowledging that such levels of tennis are not seen every day.
Sinner also acknowledged the significance of the victory for Djokovic, understanding the immense effort and determination he had put into achieving this milestone. Sinner also commended Alcaraz for his reaction, noting that both players work tirelessly to achieve success. He concluded by emphasizing the joy in witnessing such moments of triumph and the anticipation of what Djokovic will accomplish in the years to come.
Photo from Novak Djokovic Instagram
