Novak Djokovic makes shocking announcement after……
Novak Djokovic makes shocking announcement after Carlos Alcaraz burst into tears at the Olympics.
Djokovic ultimately realized his dream among heartbreaking scenes for his opponent.
Novak Djokovic was overtaken with emotion after earning Olympic gold in men’s singles tennis at the Paris Games, fulfilling a lifetime aspiration and joining one of the sport’s most prestigious clubs. Djokovic’s opponent, Carlos Alcaraz, was in tears after losing to the 24-time grand slam winner 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in a thrilling gold medal match at Roland Garros.
They were heartbreaking sights for the 21-year-old Spaniard, who gave his all in one of the most intensely contested men’s Olympic Games finals in recent history. But it was Djokovic who came up clutch when it counted the most, finding another gear in both the first and second set tiebreaks to eventually secure the one missing piece from his extraordinary trophy cabinet.
The 37-year-old hailed winning Olympic gold as “probably the biggest sporting success” he’s ever had, as well as the “most special feeling”. And with his triumph, Djokovic joined Serena Williams (who was watching from the stands), Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf as one of just five players to have won all four Grand Slams and Olympic singles gold.
“I thought carrying the flag at the opening ceremony for my country at the 2012 Olympics was the best feeling an athlete could have until today,” Djokovic recounted afterwards. “Now at the age of 37 and facing a 21-year-old who is probably the best player in the world right now, winning Roland Garros and Wimbledon back-to-back, I can say that this is probably the biggest sporting success I have ever had.”
Novak Djokovic makes stunning Olympics announcement
Many would have been forgiven for believing this was Djokovic’s final Olympics, having seen his great adversary Nadal leave Roland Garros earlier this year. But, in a surprise declaration following his triumph in the Olympics final, Djokovic declared he wants to defend his championship at the Los Angeles Games in four years, when the Serb will be 41.
“I still want to play in Los Angeles,” he stated following the match. “I enjoy playing for my country and the Olympic Games particularly and Davis Cup, being part of the team.” If anyone can defy what most people believe is possible, it’s Djokovic, who has done so repeatedly on his route to nearly every record in sports.
The fire still burns bright! Djokovic's passion for tennis is a wonder to behold. Let's witness history in LA 2028
— Nishant Tyagi (@Nishant88907242) August 4, 2024
The Serb only recently had surgery for a torn meniscus before the French Open, yet he returned as a Wimbledon finalist and Olympic winner within two months, and he’s still looking for his 25th major singles victory to surpass Australian great Margaret Court for the all-time record. And the unwavering Serb acknowledged his passion and desire are as strong as ever, despite finally realizing his Olympic ambition after first competing in the 2008 Beijing Games.
“Yes it’s complete because I completed all the achievements with this gold medal but no because I love this sport (and) don’t play only to win the tournaments,” said the American athlete. “It was a long journey, many, many years of dreaming to be holding the gold medal so now it’s about happiness, joy and celebration.”
Carlos Alcaraz reduced to tears after loss to Novak Djokovic
Djokovic’s wife and children were on hand to celebrate with the 37-year-old in stunning post-match moments. Alcaraz, on the other hand, was distraught on the court and could not fight back tears as he discussed the defeat.
Carlos Alcaraz. I have never felt so proud of a player and so happy to be his fan.
Thank you, Carlitos, for the fight, for the enthusiasm, for the honor and for your way of being. Always with you. Always. pic.twitter.com/NCNfUBHDnr
— TheNewGen 🐝 (@thenewgenatp) August 4, 2024
“I think I put more pressure on myself because I was playing for Spain, for the Spaniards,” he told ESPN. “It was a different type of pressure… everyone in Spain wanted me to win the gold, and I wanted to win the gold as well.” “I felt that I let the Spanish people down.”
Alcaraz’s idol, Rafael Nadal, whom he partnered in the men’s doubles for Spain in the Olympics, was among the first to reach out to the 21-year-old following his heartbreak. “Carlos, even though I know that today is a difficult day, value a medal that is very important for the whole country and you’ll see, in time, that for you too,” Nadal tweeted on his social media account.
Alcaraz saved one break point in the second game and three more in the fourth, but Djokovic responded with three of his own. Alcaraz also saved a set point before Djokovic won the long 93-minute first set in a commanding tiebreak. The second set followed a similar pattern, with the Spaniard surviving another break in the third game before losing to Djokovic in the tiebreak as the Serb made more history.
