Novak Djokovic is on cloud-nine after winning his first Olympic gold medal in Paris.
As soon as Carlos Alcaraz dug out the backhand, it finally came together.
A 16-year wait for this chance to run around the forehand, find the corner, drop your racquet, fall to the fall, hold the gold medal.
In truth, it’s been the storyline of the last three years.
The agonizing goodbye in Tokyo after blowing what might have been his last good chance was what would’ve played in Novak Djokovic’s mind over and over again throughout the entire build-up.
With 24 major titles and now the ability to scratch this career itch, surely it’s the perfect moment to hang up your racquet and go out bouncing.
Novak Djokovic talks about his chances of playing at Los Angeles 2028
The Serb was crying and shaking on court before he waded through the masses to hug his daughter, who throughout had been holding a sign reading ‘Dad is the best’.
With the gold finally around his neck and the Serbian flag draped over his back, it turns out Djokovic isn’t done yet.
He told Barron’s afterwards when asked about his ambitions of featuring at the next Olympics: “I want to play in Los Angeles, I enjoy playing for my country in the Olympic Games, in the Davis Cup.”
He already became the oldest man to reach the semi-finals of the singles, then the final, then win the gold.
The 37-year-old managed to defeat the best current player two months on from sustaining a torn meniscus in his knee and requiring surgery.
His career has been characterised by overcoming odds, proving doubters wrong, so why is a shot on the American hard courts really that surprising.
Forget LA 2028 – Will Novak Djokovic defend his US Open title?
Last year’s US Open run saw him hang up the phone against Ben Shelton, before defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to win his fourth title at Flushing Meadows.
Only four wins seems likely a little poor of a showing for Djokovic, at least in his mind.
While the clay and the grass sees plenty of the top 20 struggle, the American hard court reason fires up the big servers and frequently brings the best out of those who may have had a quieter summer.
American tennis is in desperate need of a champion and after Shelton’s 2023 semi-final, and Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz’s runs to the last eight, they’ll be ready to challenge the best.
I can’t quite imagine a world where Djokovic doesn’t turn up to New York in full flow, ready to move to 25 grand slams and go one better than any singles player ever.
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