Novak Djokovic finished the 2024 season without a Major title in his collection. The greatest player of all time could not care less about that fact. Novak threw everything at the Olympic Games in Paris, seeking an elusive gold medal 16 years after claiming the bronze!
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Djokovic returned to Paris less than two months after undergoing knee surgery. The Serb raised his level at Roland Garros and beat six rivals in straight sets, adding the missing 15th notable trophy to his collection andcompleting the game of tennis!
Andy Roddick praised Novak's remarkable feat, describing it as one of the most incredible feats ever seen in our sport. The American also placed the Olympic Games gold medal above two Major titles after knowing how much Novak wanted to win that tournament.
Djokovic lost his titles at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Not thinking about that too much, he had a major issue to fix ahead of the Olympic Games. The veteran injured his right knee at Roland Garros.
He passed two challenging five-setters before withdrawing ahead of the quarter-final. The Serb underwent surgery on June 5, starting the battle against time ahead of Wimbledon. As it turned out, Djokovic recovered more efficiently than anyone predicted.
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Of course, anyone but Taylor Fritz! Wearing protection over his troubled knee, Novak passed five rivals and reached the final at the All England Club. The veteran stood no chance against Carlos Alcaraz, suffering a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 loss in two hours and 27 minutes.
Thus, Djokovic missed the Wimbledon crown for the second straight year. Did he think too much about that? Not at all! Novak turned his focus on the Olympic Games, using the Wimbledon vibes and traveling to Paris with confidence.
The 24-time Major winner made a reliable start against Matthew Ebden. Djokovic toppled Rafael Nadal in the second round, facing his greatest rival for the 60th and last time. The Serb defeated DominikKoepfer and moved into the last eight.
In one of the most crucial matches of his career, Novak claimed the opener against Stefanos Tsitsipas before facing pain in his knee! The Greek led in the second set and forged set points. The legend gathered energy and responded, stealing the set and avoiding spending more time on the court.
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Djokovic played well against Lorenzo Musetti from the closing stages of the opener, booking a place in his first Olympic Games title match! As was expected, Carlos Alcaraz stood across the net. Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion was the favorite.
However, Novak left everything on the court in a thrilling 7-6, 7-6 victory in two hours and 52 minutes. Thus, hecelebratedthe most emotional title of his career and earneda gold medal at 37! Djokovic defended all eight break points in the opening set.
He outplayed the young rival in both tie breaks, firing up his forehand and securing his 99th and most cherished ATP title.
"Novak's Paris Olympics gold medal is one of the most incredible feats I have seen in tennis. Novak played on his least favorite surface less than two months after knee surgery. Still, he won all six matches in straight sets.
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Novak labeled the Olympic Games as the most important tournament of the season and delivered his best tennis when it mattered the most. For me, his gold medal in Paris is more impressive than if he had won two Major titles," Andy Roddick said.
