Former tennis ace Mark Petchey gives a new version of the ‘GOAT’ title to Novak Djokovic after legendary Paris Olympics gold

Mark Petchey heaped praise on Novak Djokovic after the Serb won his first Olympic gold medal in Paris by beating Carlos Alcaraz.

Former tennis ace Mark Petchey gives a new version of the ‘GOAT’ title to Novak Djokovic after legendary Paris Olympics gold

Novak Djokovic (via Imago)

Former tennis player Mark Petchey feels the Olympic gold made Novak Djokovic the ‘Golden GOAT’ of tennis. In a recent podcast, the Brit heaped praise on Djokovic for the extraordinary tennis he displayed on Court Philippe-Chatrier on August 4 to emerge as the gold medalist for the first time in his illustrious career. 

Djokovic never faltered when he played Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the final. He was the same opponent who had upset the Serb in their previous meeting this year at the Wimbledon final in straight sets to deny him his eighth title at the SW19. 

The 37-year-old, even though prior to the final victory in Paris, did not win a single game, including an ATP 250 event, this year, and suffered a knee injury during his French Open campaign, did not give chances to the young Spaniard who has emerged as a reckoning force on all surfaces and was the favorite. All odds were stacked against Djokovic, but despite that, he proved superior, which amazed Petchey. 

The Golden GOAT – say it quietly! I’ve always gone for the greatest of this era, but my goodness me, that was something else. When you look at his year, you look at the lack of top-10 wins, the lack of tournament wins, you look at the knee problem he sustained at the French [Open].
Mark Petchey said on the Tennis Channel Inside-In Podcast 

Djokovic is now the third men’s player and overall fifth player to accomplish the Career Golden Slam. It was his first final at the Olympics, having lost in the semifinals in his previous four appearances.

Mark Petchey calls Novak Djokovic’s gold medal his biggest achievement 

As the Olympic gold was the only title that had eluded him, winning it became the biggest achievement for Novak Djokovic. The Serbian legend in fact claimed the same in an interview. Mark Petchey was also of the same opinion, as he explained in that same podcast, how after failing in his four attempts, Djokovic’s strong mindset did the job for him again.

Novak Djokovic 1
Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)
I personally think what Novak did on Sunday was his greatest-ever achievement. I know ‘repeating’ is the hardest thing in sport, it’s not easy – it shows the character. But coming back five times, wanting to win it, wanting to achieve everything in the sport, he has climbed every single summit.
Mark Petchey said

It will be interesting to see what Djokovic’s next move is. He, however, has confirmed that he will be playing at the Shanghai Open for the first time since 2019. 

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