A gold medal was all that the extraordinary career of the legendary Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic was missing.
At the age of 37, Novak Djokovic won total 24 Grand Slams titles, a bronze medal, and has held the world no. 1 ranking longer than any other player in tennis history, male or female. Even without the Olympic gold medal, he is already known as one of the greatest players of all time.
But Djokovic did not settle with his legacy. While he had already completed a career Grand Slam, the Olympic gold medal was the missing piece for the rare and greatly desired “Golden Grand Slam”. He finally achieved the goal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing the men’s singles gold medal for Serbia.
In a historic final, Djokovic defeated the 21-year-old Spanish sensation, Carlos Alcaraz, becoming the oldest male player to win the Olympic gold since 1908. Here’s how Novak Djokovic, battling through injury, completed his Golden Grand Slam at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Who is Novak Djokovic?
Novak Djokovic was born on May 22, 1987, Belgrade, Serbia, who is known as the one of the greatest Serbian tennis players in the history of the game. His 24 Grand Slam Singles titles- which includes 10 Australian Open championships, which is also a record for men.
Djokovic is known as one of the game’s best returners, and he is also considered for his backhand shot as well as his physical endurance.
Long Eluded Gold: Djokovic’s Historic Win at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Novak Djokovic had set his sights on the Olympic gold since his debut at the 2008 Games. Although he won bronze medal in Beijing, the top prize had slipped through his fingers in the next three Olympics.
Novak Djokovic said that he gave everything, his heart, his soul, his body, his family, all to win this Olympic gold. He also shared after his victory that it was an incredible battle, an incredible fight.
The obstacle standing between Djokovic and the Olympic gold medal in Paris was a well-known opponent. Carlos Alcaraz, despite being only 21, he had already claimed four Grand Slam titles and rapidly risen to the top of the sport.
Both of them had met six times before, with each winning three matches. Alcaraz had recently defeated Djokovic in consecutive Wimbledon Finals.
But Djokovic broke the deadlock, earning his fourth victory over Alcaraz, and making history as the oldest Olympic men’s singles champion. While doing so, he also prevented Alcaraz from becoming the youngest to claim Gold in the Olympics.
This victory was even more remarkable considering the injury Djokovic carried into the 2024 Olympics. Just months earlier, he had torn his meniscus and underwent surgery after withdrawing from the French Open.
Srbijo,
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 4, 2024
Uspeli smo!
Volim vas,
Nole ❤️ 🥇
**
Dear Serbia,
We did it.
Love, Nole ❤️🥇 pic.twitter.com/TUjgFYPCUH
During the Paris Quarterfinals, Djokovic felt a strong pain in his right knee, raising concerns about re-injuring it.
Novak Djokovic was then admitted after the quarterfinal and he said that he is worried about the knee, that’s it and he does not have all the details yet.
Conclusion
Despite the uncertainty, Djokovic pushed through the pain, playing in the semifinals the next day, where he promised himself at least a silver medal by defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti. Two days later, he clinched the gold medal, finally achieving his Golden Grand Slam, and can now rest and recover.
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