“He is the man to beat at the US Open” : Former coach says Novak Djokovic will not stop after Olympic gold
Fairytale endings do exist, especially in sports. There is nothing sweeter than winning the only title which has escaped your hands throughout your career, that too in your last try (Lionel Messi will surely agree with that statement). Tennis and Serbian legend Novak Djokovic just played out one of his best games ever, at the ripe age of 37, winning the Olympic gold medal.
Court Philippe-Chatrier was exuberant the whole day, as Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic played out for almost three hours in an instant classic. Both players went toe-to-toe with each other, winning close sets one after the other, as the winner was finally decided by two tie-breakers, with Djokovic pulling through and claiming the win, with the final score being 7-6(3) 7-6(2).
Novak Djokovic is the most decorated tennis player of all time, winning 74 total titles, but in his first Olympics final with the goal medal win, he was vividly emotional. His hands were shaking as he went through the crowd to celebrate with his family while proudly raising Serbia’s flag across his shoulders.
“We almost played three hours in just two sets, An incredible battle and fight. When the last shot went past him, it was the only moment I thought I could win the match. I mean I believed I could win, but to actually win it… To win Olympic gold at 37, I finally did it. Most of all, it’s my country,” said the emotional Serbian (via Eurosport).
Goran Ivanisevic admits Djokovic will not slow down after Olympics win
After six successful years together, where Novak Djokovic won 12 grand slam titles, the Eastern Europeans decided to part ways in March of this year. But there is no love lost between them, as Goran Ivanisevic had nothing but sheer admiration for his former player. Goran Ivanisevic admitted that the Serbian fell short in the Wimbledon finals against the same opponent, but if this match would have been played for five more hours, the outcome would have been the same.
“Only a crazy person would say that he doesn’t have it in him anymore. I’m so glad he finally won this gold. People forgot that this was his first Olympics final, he felt that this is it, that he has to seize this opportunity. Although, considering how crazy he is, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him in Los Angeles in 2028 as well.” said the former coach (via Tennis Majors).
Novak Djokovic was only the fifth ever player to complete the career golden slam, as Ivanisevic thinks that this Olympics win would give him extra motivation to perform in the US Open.
“I wish him 25th Slam, to break the absolute record, and then he can retire, although he will never retire, this guy. I think he can find the motivation, the gold will lift him. If he plays like this, he is the man to beat at the US Open. At Wimbledon, it was a miracle that he even played, let alone reached the finals, but we never know if something similar to this year’s Australian Open can happen. Against Sinner there, he didn’t show up – we don’t have a crystal ball, but if he is motivated like here, he will be the favourite in New York.” the Croatian added.
Novak Djokovic will have a much-needed break from tennis as he will not take part in the Canadian Open this week. The US Open starts in three weeks, and fans will be expecting the ‘GOAT’ of tennis to win his 25th Major.
