Novak Djokovic reveals where his Olympic gold medal ranks among all his career achievements

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Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz on two tight tie-breaks as he won his first ever Olympic gold medal.

He ran around the forehand, thumped it down the line, and only then started to believe.

It was the glory he had never been able to experience and he didn’t really know how to react, so instead just responded in the way we all do when it simply gets too much – cry.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz made a compelling case for all finals to simply be best of three sets – what more really could have been gained from a third set in this Olympic all-timer?

With neither player able to secure a break of serve after countless opportunities, it all came down to two tiebreaks.

People often say how tennis is about fine margins but normally it’s not quite so fine.

Djokovic’s daughter had been holding up a sign saying in the stands reading ‘Dad is the best’ – it’s now undeniably true.

Novak Djokovic reveals where Olympic gold ranks in his career

With 24 grand slam titles, the idea that Djokovic might still finish his career with a feeling of underachievement is bizarre.

He told NBC on-court after the match: “I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now. Feeling different emotions. Too proud. Too happy.

“Thrilled with the possibility to win a gold for the first time in my career for my country. Arguably the biggest success I had. I won probably everything there is to win in my individual career.

“Winning Davis Cup and particularly a golden medal at age 37 for Serbia is unprecedented. I’m just starting my celebration. I can’t wait for what’s coming up in the next 48 hours.”

With all the majors and now finally Olympic gold, Djokovic becomes the fifth player in history to ever secure this career ‘golden slam’.

What next for Novak Djokovic?

The teary-eyed farewell in Tokyo, fourth place in London, a shock opening round defeat in Rio – all presumably completely worth it.

Djokovic has previously spoken about seeing the Olympics as the pinnacle of sport, with the emotions of representing his country clearly affecting him during his past four games.

Now, after a few big sighs of relief, even the best might ask himself, what now?

With Andy Murray retiring earlier this week and Rafael Nadal likely reaching his career conclusion, Djokovic is the only one left of the ‘Big Four’.

Having missed out at Wimbledon and pulled out of the French Open through injury, it looked like it all might be just too late.

Still level with Margaret Court on 24 grand slam titles, I would not be surprised if the Serb hangs around to try and completely and utterly separate himself from the pack.