“I secretly believed,” Novak Djokovic addresses the fans on his return to Serbia after the historic Olympic Gold medal win

Novak Djokovic is next scheduled to play at the US Open, where he is the defending champion. The Serb has withdrawn from Cincinnati.

“I secretly believed,” Novak Djokovic addresses the fans on his return to Serbia after the historic Olympic Gold medal win

Novak Djokovic (via Imago)

Tennis great Novak Djokovic landed in Serbia on Monday (August 12). The 24-time Grand Slam champion was received by the Serbian president at the airport, along with a large group of fans.

Djokovic won his first Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the penultimate match. After landing in his home country, the 37-year-old addressed the fans, sharing his emotional journey.

YouTube video
The long-awaited gold. I entered these Olympics without a trophy, I had an injury. Many questioned the quality of my tennis. Few people considered me a favorite, but I secretly believed.
Novak Djokovic said on his return to Serbia

Djokovic’s gold medal at the Paris Olympics is his second Olympic medal overall. Previously, he won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, finishing behind Rafael Nadal and Fernando Gonzalez in the standings.

FS Video
I knew this might be my last chance to win gold. It was one of my best tournaments; I didn’t lose a set. I felt the support of the people. If there was ever a moment, it was now. Without false modesty, this is my greatest sports achievement, and I proudly carry this gold for Serbia.
Novak Djokovic added

Djokovic failed to win any Olympic medals between 2012 and 2021, despite reaching the medal matches on two occasions. In 2016, he lost to Juan Martin Del Potro in the first round of the Rio Olympics.

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Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic’s stock as the favorite for the US Open increases

Novak Djokovic has won everything there is to win in the game. However, the question everyone is asking now is: What’s next?

Novak Djokovic US Open win
Novak Djokovic after his 2023 US Open win (Image via Imago)

The Serbian is scheduled to play at the US Open next, after withdrawing from both the National Bank Open and the Cincinnati Open. He was the defending champion in Cincinnati.

However, the chances of him retaining the US Open crown are high. Djokovic is bidding to become the first player since Roger Federer in 2008 to retain the title at Flushing Meadows.

Moreover, the injury problems faced by Jannik Sinner and the psychological blow of the Olympic final to Carlos Alcaraz may give the 37-year-old an edge over both. Djokovic hasn’t won a Grand Slam in 2024, and a barren run in New York would make it the first time since 2017 that he wouldn’t hold any of the Grand Slam titles at the end of the year.

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