Team USA's Ilia Malinin 'absolutely blown away' as Novak Djokovic stunned by American's winning routine to claim Milano Cortina Winter Olympic gold
Updated 09/02/2026 at 00:44 GMT
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Team USA star Ilia Malinin said it was a "once in a lifetime moment" to win team gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with tennis great Novak Djokovic watching on. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had his hands on his head in disbelief when Malinin landed another backflip at the Milano Ice Skating Arena as the US team inched to victory over Japan by a single point.
Malinin delivers gold-winning routine as Djokovic watches on
Video credit: TNT Sports
Novak Djokovic made his first appearance on TNT Sports' coverage since his Australian Open final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz, as he was seen going wild for Team USA's figure skating team gold on Sunday.
Djokovic, just a week after suffering a heartbreaking defeat to the world No. 1 on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, appeared in good spirits as he witnessed the unfolding of a dramatic evening at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, with the gold medal going right down to the wire.
After Japan's strong start, winning both the pairs and women's individual sections of the team event on Sunday evening, the battle for the ultimate honours came down to Team USA's 'Quad God' Ilia Malinin, and Japan's Shun Sato.
And 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic was left in awe at the sight of Malinin performing his trademark backflip, rising to his feet with his hands on his head in disbelief.
The Serbian, who himself left millions around the worlds stunned by his breathtaking Australian Open semi-final victory over Jannik Sinner a little over a week ago, continued to admire Malinin as he ran his team to gold with a staggering five quadruple jumps - and was on his feet at the end for a deserved standing ovation.
"I did see Djokovic. It's so unreal," Malinin said after his winning skate.
"I heard that after I landed my backflip he was like, he had his hands over his head. That's incredible.
"That's a once-in-a-lifetime moment: Seeing a famous tennis player watching my performance. I'm absolutely blown away."
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Japan heartbroken as USA defend figure skating gold
Video credit: TNT Sports
The American team could not rest easy after Malinin's display. A couple of minor mistakes and a practically flawless skate from Japan's Sato made for an intriguing conclusion - but the difficulty of Malinin's routine ultimately helped his nation prevail - by a single point.
Hosts Italy, meanwhile, claimed an emotional bronze, while Georgia narrowly missed out on a maiden Winter Olympic medal.
It marked a second gold for Team USA on Sunday, after Breezy Johnson stormed to gold in the women's downhill.
While Olympic gold would previously have been a sore subject for Djokovic, the 38-year-old will no longer shirk the subject - having finally grasped the elusive silverware in Paris in 2024.
Djokovic beat Alcaraz in a pulsating and emotional final on the clay courts of Roland Garros to add the single accolade which had evaded him through his illustrious career.
And he insists he is keen to defend his crown when the summer Games is hosted in the United States in 2028.
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Italian 'hero' Rizzo celebrates amazing medal-winning performance
Video credit: TNT Sports
"At this stage of my life and career, it’s far off, but obviously I have the desire to get there," Djokovic told Corriere TV.
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"God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six or 12 months, so it has been a great ride – I love you guys," Djokovic said.
"That’s why I left it open. I really don’t know. You’ve followed me for a long time and I don’t pretend or fake things.
"I told you for the last year or year and a half that I’m not sure how much and what is next.
"I said I’d like to play until the 2028 Olympics but that might mean playing one tournament a year, maybe 10, 15, two, or seven - I honestly don’t know.
"I don’t want to make decisions about my schedule and future so far in advance. Right now, my only wish is to be with my family, and then I’ll see what’s next."
Watch every event of Milano Cortina 2026 live on discovery+. Available across all subscription plans, starting at £3.99.
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