Novak Djokovic ‘accepts’ ending year without Grand Slam title after clinching elusive gold medal at Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic admitted that he has no regrets about not winning a Grand Slam title this year following his successful Olympic campaign.

Novak Djokovic ‘accepts’ ending year without Grand Slam title after clinching elusive gold medal at Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)

For the first time since 2017, Novak Djokovic failed to win a Grand Slam trophy in a season. Although he suffered a rough patch earlier this year, he came back stronger at the Paris Olympics, reaching the final for the first time and winning the gold medal by beating Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. 

He was one of the favorites at the US Open but lost in the third round to Alexei Popyrin in four sets, failing to make it to the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for the first time in 18 years. Djokovic was expected to dwell on the shocking exit, but it seems he has no regrets.

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This is because of his successful run at the Paris Olympics where he spent a lot of energy to emerge victorious. Djokovic also said the surface change might have been another reason why he performed poorly, for he did not play in any tournaments on the North American hard courts before the US Open. The Olympic champion has accepted his defeat at the US Open as he considers the elusive gold medal his best achievement in his career.

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If it's that kind of year- me winning a golden Olympic medal without a Slam, I accept it because I've been waiting for that gold my whole life. 
Novak Djokovic told Serbian reporters
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Before the Paris Olympics, Novak Djokovic played the Wimbledon final and lost. He felt he had a chance to claim his 25th Major title at Roland Garros, but injury hampered his progress and he pulled out of the quarterfinals.

Novak Djokovic (7)
Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)

At the US Open, Djokovic felt like an amateur after an “emotionally draining” Olympics. He even contemplated withdrawing from the US Open as he still was not feeling fresh, admitting that he gave it a try at the US Open just because it’s a major event. 

It was painful to play and feel like this on the court – at times, I felt like an amateur. But that’s the reality, part of sport. The Olympics were very emotionally draining, I was even thinking whether I should come to New York or not, but it’s a Slam. 
Novak Djokovic said

Prior to the Paris Olympics, Djokovic clinched the bronze medal on his Olympics debut in Beijing in 2008. Djokovic failed in his attempt to take home a medal in the next editions, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where he lost to Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain in the bronze medal match. 

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