Novak Djokovic finally achieved his greatest success: It was like magic | Sports.sk

He has a record 24 Grand Slam titles and has topped the ATP men’s world rankings longer than anyone else. However, Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic considers Paris Olympic gold to be his greatest sporting achievement. On Sunday, he fulfilled his dream on clay in the area of ​​Roland Garros, when he defeated the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz 7: 6 (3), 7: 6 (2) in the singles final.

Thirty-seven-year-old Djokovic won the last major prize missing from his collection. He was also the oldest champion since tennis returned to the Olympic program in 1988.

“At my first Olympics in Beijing in 2008, I managed to get a bronze, but I left the next three without a medal. It was like a curse, I couldn’t get over the hurdle in the semi-final.

I appreciate the gold more because I won it against Carlos, who won both Roland Garros and Wimbledon this year. I played amazing tennis in the final. If I take all the circumstances into account, this is probably the biggest sporting achievement of my career.” said Djokovic for accredited media.

After the game, he was overcome with great emotions and there were tears of happiness in his eyes. “I considered marching with the Serbian flag at the opening ceremony of the London Games in 2012 as the strongest Olympic experience to date. But everything went beyond winning the Paris Olympic gold.

I carefully prepared for the competition, as shown by the fact that I did not lose a single set during it. From the first round I felt very good about my game and I told myself if it doesn’t work now, it never will.

After advancing to the final, I felt a great sense of relief. I celebrated as if I had won the whole competition, but I knew I still had to climb the highest mountain – Carlos Alcaraz on his way to the gold. emphasized “Nole”.

In the first set, he showed great mental strength as he stopped eight break points. He played exceptionally well in both tie-breaks, and two months after knee surgery, he avenged Alcaraz’s loss in the Wimbledon final. “I don’t remember the last time I played a match that high. It lasted almost three hours, although we only played for two winning sets. Carlos deserves a lot of credit, he showed a fighting spirit. to sure to get the most valuable Olympic metal one day.”

Despite the final loss, Alcaraz was satisfied with his performance in Paris. “I’m proud of my achievements at the Olympics. I leave the competition with my head held high. I gave it my all, but Novak didn’t let me take a chance and he proved his virtues. I’m sure I’ll learn from this loss and come back to the court even stronger.”