Djokovic Declares Olympic Gold as His Greatest Sporting Achievement

Novak Djokovic expressed that beating Carlos Alcaraz to win the Olympic singles gold medal was the pinnacle of his career achievements. On Sunday, the 37-year-old Serbian ended an eight-month title drought with a stellar performance, defeating Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-6(2) and securing his career Golden Slam at Roland Garros without losing a set. Djokovic is now the oldest man to win the Olympic singles title since tennis was reintroduced to the Games in 1988, a feat he achieved just 21 days after losing to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final and two months post knee surgery.

“I won the bronze in my first Olympic Games (2008) and have since struggled to clinch another medal, often reaching semi-finals but never moving past,” Djokovic, proudly displaying his medal, told reporters. “And now, at age 37, to win against a 21-year-old who is probably the best player right now, after his Roland Garros and Wimbledon victories, is extraordinary. When I consider everything, this is likely my greatest sporting success.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion showcased a previously unseen level of play this year to overcome Alcaraz. After sealing the match with a forehand winner after nearly three hours of intense play, Djokovic was overcome with emotion, shedding tears on the court before joining his family, including his wife Jelena and son Stefan, in the stands for a celebratory embrace.

“Until today, I believed that carrying the Serbian flag at the 2012 opening ceremony in London was the ultimate experience for an athlete,” he said. “This victory surpasses everything I could have imagined and hoped to feel.” Although Djokovic did not dismiss the possibility of competing in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, he noted that the realization of Paris likely being his last chance for gold was a significant motivator.