Novak Djokovic Shares Heartwarming Reason Behind Not Bringing the Olympic Gold Medal Back to Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic is back at the place where he completed the sport in August last year. The Serb won the Gold medal at the Paris Olympics last year, edging Carlos Alcaraz in two tiebreak sets of the final.

Returning to Roland Garros this year for the clay major, the Serbian legend admitted that he has not brought the Olympic Gold medal back to Paris. The reason being is that it is kept in the custody of his father, Srdjan Djokovic.

The medal is with my Dad and all my trophies.

Novak Djokovic said in his post-match interview (H/T: TNT Sports)

Djokovic completed the trophy cabinet last year by winning the Olympic Gold in Paris. He overcame a meniscus tear that he endured at the French Open last year to win the lone missing piece in his CV.

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Surprisingly, Djokovic hasn’t lost at Roland Garros for three years. He is on an 18-match winning streak on the Paris clay with his last loss dating back to 2022 Roland Garros quarterfinals against Rafael Nadal.

Novak Djokovic set to receive major boost at Roland Garros

Day Two of the 2025 French Open delivered some early surprises in the men’s draw. The most notable by ranking was Taylor Fritz, who fell in four sets to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier. However, an even more surprising result may have more impact on the tournament.

Francisco Cerundolo, seeded 18th and considered a strong contender on clay, lost in straight sets to Canada’s Gabriel Diallo. Cerundolo created just one break point and lost his own serve four times, struggling against the power and consistency of the World No. 54.

This defeat could shift the dynamics of the draw for both Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic. Cerundolo was projected to meet Zverev in the fourth round, a matchup that had troubled Zverev in the past. The Argentine had beaten him three times on clay, including twice this season.

With Cerundolo out, Zverev may have an easier path. Djokovic, too, avoids a potential rematch against the player who pushed him to five sets in Paris last year. Their quarterfinal meeting now appears more likely than before the tournament began.

Novak Djokovic sparks weather outrage

Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, criticized a decision made during Novak Djokovic’s opening match at the 2025 French Open. The issue arose when Djokovic requested a pause in play due to strong winds. Despite initial resistance, officials eventually closed the roof, which sparked controversy.

I’ll say it again. This is SO UNFAIR to every other player playing out there on the outside courts. Nonsense from the referee. He should say, too bad, u have to play no one else is stopping outside. Yes the weather sucks, the wind sucks but i can tell u, this is unfair for others.

Rennae Stubbs on X

Stubbs voiced her frustration online, claiming it was unfair for some players to compete indoors while others dealt with outdoor elements. She argued that such preferential treatment creates an uneven playing field for those not on main courts.

I’ll say it again. This is SO UNFAIR to every other player playing out there on the outside courts. Nonsense from the referee. He should say, too bad, u have to play no one else is stopping outside. Yes the weather sucks, the wind sucks but i can tell u, this is unfair for others

— Rennae Stubbs ♈️ (@rennaestubbs) May 27, 2025

Despite the delay, Djokovic stayed focused and won in straight sets against Mackenzie McDonald. The scoreline was a dominant 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, showcasing his control throughout the match.

This marked Djokovic’s return to Court Philippe-Chatrier after winning Olympic gold the previous year. He also participated in a tribute to Rafael Nadal, joined by Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic Reveals Andy Murray’s Joke About His Return to Form Under “A Proper Coach”