The incredible resilience of Novak Djokovic is what has continuously allowed him to conquer new heights as he approaches his forties.
World No. 2 Novak Djokovic shared his emotions after quenching his thirst for a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics with a convincing 2-0 (7-6, 7-6) victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the final held on the evening of August 4, Vietnamese time.
“I used to think that carrying my country’s flag at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics was the greatest feeling an athlete could have until today. Now, at 37 years old and facing a 21-year-old opponent—perhaps the best in the world right now, having just won back-to-back Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles—I can say this is the greatest sporting achievement I’ve ever had,” Djokovic expressed in the press conference after the Olympic final in Paris against Alcaraz.
Additionally, Djokovic hinted at the possibility of competing in the next Olympics in Los Angeles, when he will be 41 years old.
“I want to compete in Los Angeles; I love the feeling of representing my country in the Olympics, in the Davis Cup.”
Novak Djokovic: ‘I Want to Compete in the 2028 Olympics’ Novak Djokovic is still eager to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (Photo: Getty) Novak Djokovic showed incredible resilience and mental strength against an opponent 26 years younger than him, especially considering that he had just lost to Alcaraz 0-3 in the Wimbledon 2024 final nearly a month ago, along with the pressure of securing what is likely the final Olympic gold medal of his career.
Djokovic faced quite a few challenges against Alcaraz’s powerful forehands and his unpredictable, varied playing style. However, the Serbian tennis player maximized his return game—which Alcaraz himself rates as the best in the world—causing his younger opponent numerous difficulties.
The tension and determination to win gold from both Djokovic and Alcaraz forced them to decide the match through tie-breaks in both sets. Here, Djokovic’s experience prevailed as he defeated Alcaraz in both tie-breaks, securing his first Olympic gold medal and creating the best match of 2024 alongside Alcaraz.
With this, Novak Djokovic has officially completed his grand collection of titles, including all the major achievements in tennis: Olympic gold, Grand Slam titles, ATP Finals, ATP 1000, Davis Cup, etc. The debate over who the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) is among Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer may finally have reached its conclusion.