Novak Djokovic has won 99 ATP titles, including 24 Majors and 40 Masters 1000 shields! The most decorated player in tennis history collected all 15 notable tennis trophies, standing as the only player to achieve that.
After achieving so much, it’s hard to pick one moment that highlights your career. However, Djokovic does not have to think about that too much! The legend always picks last year’s Olympic Games gold medal run in Paris as his career-best moment.
Djokovic traveled to Paris with a troubled knee. At 37, it was also his last realistic chance to claim an elusive gold medal and complete the game of tennis. The Serb left all the issues behind and toppled six rivals in straight sets to earn a gold medal for his country.
👑 Novak Djokovic est une LÉGENDE ! Le Serbe est sacré champion olympique après sa victoire contre Carlos Alcaraz (7-6, 7-6) en finale et remporte le dernier titre majeur qui lui manquait !
Suivez les Jeux de #Paris2024 en intégralité sur Eurosport pic.twitter.com/aI2ndFCxRj
— Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) August 4, 2024
The veteran injured his right knee at Roland Garros and underwent surgery on June 5. Novak produced a little miracle and recovered for Wimbledon. The seven-time champion played with protection over his knee and reached the final!
Carlos Alcaraz prevented his from equaling Roger Federer’s record after beating him in straight sets. However, Novak gathered a boost following a deep run in those circumstances and took a rest ahead of the Olympic Games.
Novak Djokovic, 2024 Paris Olympics© Stream screenshot
Novak started his fifth Olympic Games against the doubles specialist, Matthew Ebden. The Serb toppled the Aussie in 53 minutes and arranged his 60th and final duel against Rafael Nadal. Djokovic was the favorite, and he proved that with a 6-1, 6-4 victory.
Nadal struggled and trailed 6-1, 4-0 before launching his comeback! The Spaniard delivered two straight breaks and locked the result at 4-4. Still, Novak broke again in game nine and moved over the top with a hold in game ten.
Novak Djokovic, 2024 Paris Olympics© Stream screenshot
The veteran ousted Dominik Koepfer in the third round and entered the last eight. Novak felt the pain in his troubled knee against Stefanos Tsitsipas. He trailed in the second set and gathered dark clouds over his campaign.
However, the legend produced another remarkable comeback. He overcame a 5-2 deficit and saved three set points before sealing the deal in straight sets, entering the Olympic Games semi-final for the fourth time.
Novak Djokovic, 2024 Paris Olympics© Stream screenshot
Novak lost the previous three semi-final duels in 2008, 2012 and 2021. Eager to change that, the Serb beat Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-2 and moved a win away from the gold medal! Novak provided five straight breaks from the closing stages of the first set and controlled the scoreboard.
He faced Carlos Alcaraz in the ultimate gold medal clash! Novak and Carlos embraced the match of the tournament, pushing each other to the limits for almost three hours. Djokovic prevailed 7-6, 7-6 in two hours and 52 minutes, conquering the Olympic Games gold medal!
Carlos Alcaraz & Novak Djokovic, 2024 Paris Olympics© Stream screenshot
The veteran started a massive celebration with his family and fans, proudly listening to the Serbian national anthem with a gold medal around his neck. The two great rivals denied all 14 break points and stayed neck and neck until two tie breaks.
Novak used his experience and desire to control them, firing up his forehand and becoming an Olympic champion at 37!
“Winning my first Wimbledon title felt special. However, I would pick the Paris Olympics gold medal as the highlight of my career,” Novak Djokovic said.
Tennis World USA