Novak Djokovic finally ended his Olympic gold medal drought as he won the top prize at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Djokovic messaged Carlos Alcaraz after their Olympic final, which the former won 7-6(7-3), 7-6(7-2) in France.
The Serbian added the honour to his 24 Grand Slam titles, with tennis fans loving Djokovic’s emotional Olympic celebrations.
Djokovic fell to his knees on the clay court following the win, before heading into the stand to celebrate with his team and family.
Alcaraz was also in tears after his defeat, with both players having left it all out on the court in the French capital.
Novak Djokovic breaks down with journalist after winning Olympic gold
Djokovic’s emotions have now poured over into his post-match interviews, with the Serbian left in tears after a journalist handed him a photograph of him playing tennis as a child with coach Rudolf Cugelj.
As shared by Mauricio Rosales on X, Djokovic responded to the gift saying: “It was the first time I held a racket.
“I was four years old, in Kopaonik, the mountain range in Serbia, and it’s the first time I fell in love with the sport, so it brings a lot of beautiful emotions. It was a long way, a long journey, so I’m very proud, thank you for giving me this.”
On finally winning Olympic gold, he noted: “I feel very grateful, to all the people – including my first coach – who helped me fall in love with tennis.
“I’m grateful to God for giving me this mercy and blessing and this opportunity, because at that time it was almost impossible to achieve all of these things.
“But nothing is impossible when you have faith and power and you believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible.”
Novak Djokovic finally secures Golden Slam
Olympic gold had been a long time coming for Djokovic, who boasts a stunning 99 titles throughout his phenomenal career.
The Serbian has won a record 24 Grand Slam titles, and now finds himself on the list of players to win the singles Golden Slam thanks to his new medal.
Fittingly, the victory came against Alcaraz, his new rival who had only just beaten him in the Wimbledon final.
And impressively, it came despite the veteran having only recently undergone knee surgery after his French Open withdrawal.
Djokovic has been deservedly celebrating his success, but his attentions will soon turn to trying to clinch a 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open.
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