Novak Djokovic doesn't want to 'talk about what's next' after 'long journey' to Olympic gold at Paris 2024
Published 05/08/2024 at 20:08 GMT+1
Novak Djokovic finally completed the career Golden Slam after winning Olympic gold at Paris 2024, the one achievement that eluded him for so long. After beating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-6(2) in the final, Djokovic said he hopes to enjoy his victory for as long as he can before thinking about his tennis future. “I sacrificed a lot. It's been a long journey," the 37-year-old Serb said.
'The best feeling I've ever had' - Djokovic basks in fan celebrations after gold
Video credit: TNT Sports
Novak Djokovic says he wants to bask in the glory of his Olympic gold medal before thinking about his tennis future.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion added the one thing missing from his resume after beating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(3) 7-6(2) in the Paris 2024 final at Roland-Garros’ Court Philippe-Chatrier - earning revenge after falling to the 21-year-old Spaniard in last month’s Wimbledon final.
Speaking to Eurosport as he celebrated his victory with fans in the French capital, the 37-year-old Serbian said he does not know what the future holds and opened up about the “long journey” to Olympic gold.
“I don’t know,” Djokovic said when asked about his plans going forward.
“To be honest, probably for the first time in my career I don't want to make plans or talk about what's next because I worked for this medal so hard, for so many years.
“I sacrificed a lot. It's been a long journey. And I really want to enjoy it for as much as I possibly can, be in the moment and then think about what's happening next.”
After claiming bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games, Djokovic finally fulfilled his long-held goal of winning the top prize to complete the career Golden Slam - becoming just the fifth player to win all four major titles as well as Olympic gold.
He called his victory “unreal” and the “best feeling” he has ever had.
"Honestly I have to pinch myself," he said.
"I don't know if it's reality or if it's a dream. Incredible atmosphere. Huge thanks to all the people who came out today to celebrate the achievements of all these incredible athletes - the best athletes in the world.
“This image and this noise says how much people really love sport and what sport really provokes in people - so many beautiful emotions and values.
"It's just a huge honour to be part of this and to win gold for my country for the first time in my career at age 37. It's the best feeling I've ever had.”
Prior to the Olympic tournament, six-time Grand Slam champion and Djokovic’s former coach Boris Becker told Eurosport that he ranked the Serbian as the greatest tennis player of all time.
Asked about Becker’s comments and where he ranks himself in the list of tennis legends, Djokovic joked: “Behind Boris.
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“He's always my legend, my idol. I love him. He's my friend and of course my former coach,” he continued.
“I have too much respect for Boris, all the legendary tennis players that have paved the way for me and my generation, to speak about myself as the greatest ever. I don't want to do that out of respect, because each era is different, each era brings something different.
“We are here today experiencing this popularity and this incredible atmosphere because of all of them. So, great respect to them.”
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer
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