An Olympic gold had long eluded Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion
Novak Djokovic with his family in the player’s box at Roland Garros. Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic is officially an Olympic gold medalist.
The champion tennis player, 37, won his first gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games on Aug. 4, defeating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles final at Roland Garros.
Djokovic previously won bronze during the 2008 Summer Games, but failed to medal in London, Rio or Tokyo. His gold is the first for Serbia in men’s singles tennis.
Immediately after his 7-6(3), 7-6(2) defeat of Alcaraz, 21, an emotional Djokovic dropped to his knees on Roland Garros’ clay court. He then made his way to the player’s box while carrying the Serbian flag.
Once there, he sobbed as he embraced his wife Jelena Djokovic and their two children: son Stefan Djokovic and daughter Tara Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic celebrates with his family after winning gold at the 2024 Olympics. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Alcaraz was the youngest tennis men’s singles finalist since 1988, while Djokovic was the oldest. For this match, he was coming in just under nine weeks after undergoing meniscus surgery on his leg.
The gold medal was truly the one remaining tennis win that had long evaded Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion. It also comes after Alcaraz beat him in a five-set thriller at Wimbledon last month.
Novak Djokovic embraces his daughter after winning the gold medal. Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Speaking to Eurosport after the match, the athlete said, “I don’t know what to say, I’m still in shock. I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family, my everything on the line to win Olympic gold,” according to The Athletic.
He added, “At age 37, I finally did it.”
Djokovic has, of course, won at Roland Garros before. The Paris tennis venue is the site of the annual French Open. Djokovic was the men’s singles champion there in 2016, 2021 and 2023.
News
Harry Kane made waves when he scored against the team he once faced in the Bundesliga/hi
20 Best English Footballers in the World Right Now (Ranked) One of the traditional juggernauts on the international scene, any taste of glory for England has evaded their grasp…
Stumble upon this plant and you’ve struck gold. Most folks walk right past it without a clue/hi
The mullein plant, often overlooked by many, is a botanical treasure trove of benefits. Known scientifically as Verbascum thapsus, this tall, fuzzy-leaved plant is a common…
Zinedine Zidane: “Real Madrid suddenly signed other players but they will not achieve what Cristiano did at this club. The reason behind it makes it difficult for fans to accept/hi
Cristiano Ronaldo Named 1 Modern Player on Same Level as Him & Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest football players of all time. There is often…
Video: Charlize Theron Gets Angry At French TV Host For Rude Behavior: “Ask Next Time!”/hi
‘Maybe ask next time?!’ Enraged Charlize Theron scolds French TV presenter for planting a kiss on her unsuspecting interpreter’s cheek during awkward interview Charlize Theron scolded a French…
‘Atomic Blonde’ Shocks As Charlize Theron’s Hot Scene With Female Co-Star Was Cut In India – But Still Found Online!/hi
Charlize Theron and Sofia Boutella’s l–sb—n $-e-x scene from their new film, Atomic Blonde, has been axed by the CBFC. But does the CBFC know that it’s…
Charlize Theron Stuns in Young Adult/hi
Charlize Theron delivers one of her most striking performances in Young Adult (2011), a dark comedy-drama directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. Known for her transformative…
End of content
No more pages to load