“I put my heart, body, and family on the line,” Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win maiden Olympic gold at 37

After winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Novak Djokovic gave an insight into his thoughts and emotions.


“I put my heart, body, and family on the line,” Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win maiden Olympic gold at 37

Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Novak Djokovic claimed his maiden gold medal at the Paris Olympics following his victory over Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the singles final. The 37-year-old later revealed that he put everything on the line including his heart, soul, body, and family, to win the Olympic title.

Just two months ago, Djokovic had left Roland Garros needing a knee surgery, which put his Olympic dream at risk. The Serbian managed to ever in time for Wimbledon, where he finished as the runner-up to Alcaraz. Ahead of the Olympics, he was considered the second favorite, after Alcaraz, to win gold.

Djokovic won his four matches at the Summer Games without dropping a set. He had an injury scare against Stefanos Tsitsipas but continued his fantastic all-round performance to beat Alcaraz in straight sets in the final. The Serbian turned to his box in disbelief, throwing his racquet after claiming the victory. He unfurled a Serbian flag running to his family to celebrate.

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After the match, the 37-year-old praised Alcaraz for his performance and expressed satisfaction with the result.

Incredible battle, fight. I honestly when the last shot went past him it was the only moment I thought I could win the match. He keeps on coming back and asking me to play my best tennis. It was fair to finish both sets in tiebreak. I don't know what to say. I'm still in shock. I put my heart, soul, body, family, everything on the line to win the Olympic gold at the age of 37. 
Novak Djokovic said (via Eurosport)

Carlos Alcaraz dropped to his knees in tears after hugging Djokovic at the net. The Spaniard leaves with a silver medal in his maiden Olympics, while Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti claimed the bronze.

Novak Djokovic shatters several records after completing a career Golden Slam at the Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic smashed several records after winning singles gold at the Paris Olympics. At 37 years, 2 months, and 12 days, he becomes the oldest player to compete at the Olympics singles final and win gold. He is now the only player to win both singles gold and bronze medals, having won the latter in Beijing 2008.

Novak Djokovic (3)
Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)

He has also completed the career Golden Slam (winning all four Grand Slams and Olympic title). He is the fifth player to do so, after 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Serena Williams, and Steffi Graf.

In addition, the former World No. 1 has also won each of the nine Masters titles at least twice and each Grand Slam at least thrice, a record that no other player has accomplished. Djokovic might have arguably sealed his position as the greatest tennis player of all time.

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