Lindsay Davenport comments on if Novak Djokovic would trade his Olympic gold medal for winning the calendar Slam this year.
By the Serbian’s standards, 2024 has been a disappointing season for the Serbian who failed to win a Grand Slam and is now ranked at number four.
But the title he did manage to win this year is the one he had been craving his entire career, and that was to become Olympic champion.
Djokovic finally stood on top of the Olympic rostrum after defeating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 in a thrilling final to give Serbia one of their three gold medals from the Paris Games.
Does Lindsay Davenport think Novak Djokovic will take his Olympic gold over the Calendar Slam?
Novak Djokovic has accomplished so much throughout his illustrious career, but one thing that has eluded him is winning the calendar Grand Slam.
He came agonisingly close to winning all four Slams in a season when he reached the 2021 US Open final after claiming that year’s Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles.
But he suffered defeat to Daniil Medvedev in the championship match and also finished fourth in the Tokyo Olympics that year.
Despite missing out on the calendar slam, Lindsay Davenport does not think that Djokovic would swap that success for his Olympic triumph this summer.
“I was delighted when he won the gold medal in Paris. If you had asked him if he wanted Olympic gold or all four Grand Slam tournaments, I am convinced he would have said gold,” the former World number one told Sport Klub.
“It is without a doubt the best moment in the world of tennis this year. He wanted it more than anyone else, more than anything in the world. And he did all this after surgery and losing the final at Wimbledon. It just shows his greatness.”
How does Novak Djokovic rate his Olympics success?
Djokovic was overcome with emotion after becoming Olympic champion for the first time.
He enjoyed celebrating at the Olympics champions parade next to the Eiffel Tower and received a hero’s welcome when he returned to his native Serbia.
During that celebration, Djokovic described his Olympic win as the greatest achievement of his entire career.
“The long-awaited gold. I entered these Olympics without a trophy, I had an injury. Many questioned the quality of my tennis. Few people considered me a favourite, but I secretly believed,” he said.
“I knew this might be my last chance to win gold. It was one of my best tournaments; I didn’t lose a set. I felt the support of the people.
“If there was ever a moment, it was now. Without false modesty, this is my greatest sports achievement, and I proudly carry this gold for Serbia.”
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