Tennis legend Novak Djokovic completed a famous career Golden Slam on Sunday when he won at the Olympics and then claimed it was the greatest achievement of his storied career.
Djokovic, who was playing in his fifth Olympics finally claimed the gold as he beat world number three Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-6(2) at Roland Garros.
In his previous four attempts at the Olympics, the best Djokovic had been able to manage was a bronze medal in 2008 in Beijing.
Speaking to the media after his win he said: “I won the bronze in my first Olympic Games and ever since then failed to win the medal and played three out of four Olympic Games in semi-finals and couldn’t overcome that obstacle.
“And now at age 37, with a 21-year-old that is probably the best player in the world right now, winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back and playing incredible tennis.
“When I take everything into consideration, this probably is the biggest sporting success I’ve ever had in my career.
“Until today I thought that carrying the Serbian flag at the 2012 opening ceremony in London is the best feeling that an athlete could have,” he said.
“This kind of supersedes everything that I imagined, that I hoped that I could experience and that I could feel.
“I was ready for this tournament and I didn’t drop a set the entire tournament.
“I knew in the opening two rounds the way I was playing that this is my chance. If it’s ever going to be, it’s going to be now.
“When I qualified for the finals, I felt a big relief because that’s the hurdle I wasn’t able to surpass. I did celebrate like I won the tournament. But of course, I wanted gold and I knew that I would have to climb the highest mountain there is at the moment, playing Alcaraz.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played, maybe a few times in my life, such a high level for three hours for only two sets. Credit to him, congratulations to him for a great tournament, great fighting spirit,” said Djokovic.
Serbia have now won two medals in Paris – both of them gold.
Another epic final, @carlosalcaraz. El clasico. Congratulations to you and your team for an excellent Olympics. Considering your age, your energy and the way you play, you probably have 20 more Olympics ahead of you 😆. Your gold will come. Until next time, amigo. pic.twitter.com/UNc47Ayetk
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 5, 2024
