Many of Novak Djokovic’s colleagues claimed that he completed his tennis career the last time he played at the Olympics. The Serbian won the one big title he had yet to win when he won the gold medal in men’s singles at the Olympics in Paris.
Regarding how highly that achievement ranks among his many accomplishments, the 37-year-old made a bold statement ahead of the US Open.
Djokovic expressed his thoughts about it and said: “Just kind of sharing my thoughts, my emotions and my experiences of reflection on what is for me, I think now, when I look back, the greatest achievement and greatest highlight of my career overall, winning the gold for Serbia. I had some heartbreaking losses at the Olympic Games and worked very hard to try to get myself in a position to fight for gold. And at 37, I thought, I don’t know, could this be the last chance? Maybe. So I had to push more than ever than I have ever done.”
Djokovic clarified that he had put on one of his best performances in years during the entire tournament in Paris.
He added: “Of course in the finals against Carlos, it was kind of a dream scenario, really having my wife and children there, the entire nation watching. It was just a very proud moment to experience the golden medal around my neck with the Serbian anthem and Serbian flag. Very, very special. These are probably the most intense emotions I have ever had on a tennis court. I was saying that carrying the flag, being a flagbearer for my country, and opening [the Olympic] Games in 2012 in London at the Olympic Games was the best feeling I had overall in my professional career and surpassed every Slam that I won until I won the gold medal. I think the moment when I achieved it, how I achieved it, after years of trying, and the journey—that was the way it was—makes it even more unique.”
Djokovic at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2024
LWWWWWWLWW Currently the world no.2, the Serbian has achieved an overall 30-7 win-loss record in 2024. The Serbian is competing at the U.S. Open where he overcame the world no.138 Radu Albot 6-2 6-2 6-4.
Novak Djokovic will fight against the world no.109 Laslo Djere in the 2nd round. Their actual record is 2-0 for Djokovic.
The Serbian has won 1 title in 2024 in Paris. Novak was the runner-up in Wimbledon.
Djokovic won 99 titles in his career: 52 on hard courts, 20 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) after Shanghai. The main draw will start on the 30th of September.
