Djokovic says Olympic gold ‘biggest sporting success’ in career
Novak Djokovic says his newly minted Paris Olympics gold medal is the “biggest sporting success” in his career.
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DJOKOVIC SAYS OLYMPIC GOLD ‘BIGGEST SPORTING SUCCESS OF MY CAREER’
Furthermore, Djokovic says his latest conquest of the Paris Olympics men’s singles tennis tournament is the “biggest sporting success of my career.”
The 37-year-old Serbian superstar defied wear and tear and several Olympic heartbreaks to finally hit the golden jackpot on Sunday.
His 7-6(3), 7-6(2) victory over world No.3 Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros completed his “Career Grand Slam” with that one medal checked: an Olympic gold.
Moreover, to win gold for Serbia trumps all of his 24 Grand Slam titles after settling for bronze in 2008.
“Just when I take everything in consideration, this is probably the biggest sporting success I’ve ever had in my career,” the man also known as “Nole,” said on Sunday.
“Being on that court with (the) Serbian flag raising and singing (the) Serbian (national) anthem and wearing the gold (medal) around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport,” he added.
NOLE’S SLOW START IN 2024, AUSTRALIA, FRENCH, WIMBLEDON LOSSES MAKE PARIS GOLD SPECIAL
Moreover, Nole’s slow start in 2024 also made this more special.
The Australian Open, where Djokovic usually relies on a strong start to the year, failed him this time.
Then, a torn medial meniscus forced him to withdraw from the French Open quarterfinals.
His run for a Wimbledon title was foiled for a second-straight year by Alcaraz himself.
Moreover, Djokovic’s win over the 21-year-old Alcaraz, the youngest to reach the Olympic men’s finals.
It is a feat the Serbian isn’t taking for granted.
“And now at age 37, (playing against a) 21-year-old that is probably the best player in the world right now, (who won) Roland Garros, (won) back-to-back at Wimbledon, and (is) playing great tennis,” Djokovic said of Alcaraz.
RETIREMENT FAR FROM DJOKOVIC’S MIND DESPITE COMPLETING ‘CAREER ‘SLAM’
Moreover, retirement is far from Djokovic’s mind.
This is his sentiment despite having a complete career with a “career Slam” on his belt.
The Serbian is tied with Margaret Court for all-time most majors with 24.
He could break that in the US Open later this year.
On the other hand, he is not looking far ahead but assures he’s not walking away from the sport, yet.
“I love this sport. I don’t play it only to win the tournament. It was a long journey, many, many years of dreaming to be holding the gold medal,” Nole said.
“I play it because I really love competition. I don’t know about the future, to be honest. So now, it’s about happiness, joy, and celebration,” he added.
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