“The mentality that he played in the final against Carlos Alcaraz…” Pep Guardiola in awe of Olympic champion Novak Djokovic

Pep Guardiola has praised Olympic champion Novak Djokovic, highlighting his mentality in the final against Carlos Alcaraz.

“The mentality that he played in the final against Carlos Alcaraz…” Pep Guardiola in awe of Olympic champion Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Olympic champion Novak Djokovic. He praised the Serbian’s mentality, especially in the final against Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic entered the Paris Olympics with eyes on the elusive gold medal. He beat the likes of Matthew Ebden, Rafael Nadal, Dominik Koepfer, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets to reach the final, where Alcaraz awaited him.

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The 37-year-old defeated the in-form Spaniard 7-6(3), 7-6(2) on Court Philippe-Chatrier to seal his spot on top of the podium. The win, incidentally, came just eight and a half weeks after he underwent meniscus surgery on his right leg.

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In an interview, Guardiola, who has previously coached the likes of FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, expressed awe at Djokovic’s mentality in the final against Alcaraz.

You have to be so proud about Serbia. Listen, I don't talk about Djokovic that is difficult to say. You know, alongside [Rafael] Nadal and Djokovic, what they have done is amazing. And Djokovic is still there. The mentality that he played [in] the final against Alcaraz, that's the reason why the Olympic Games is something magnificent.
Pep Guardiola said

With the win, Djokovic became only the fifth player, after Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Nadal, and Serena Williams, to complete the Golden Slam — winning all four Majors and the Olympic gold medal in singles.

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Novak Djokovic (6)

Pep Guardiola has previously called Novak Djokovic’s rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer his inspirations

Pep Guardiola has previously stated that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic’s long-time rivals, were two of his inspirations. He highlighted the pair’s hard work as a key reason for that.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)
There is one detail that defines them, it is how hard they work. People believing when you are on top of any sport, it is [due to] talents and skills. But what would define [them] is they work harder than the other ones, they prepare better than the other ones. They are the best.
Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports

Guardiola further spoke about how Nadal and Federer took defeats in their strides and always ensured they turned things around as soon as they could.

Federer and Nadal have dominated the men’s circuit since making their professional debuts. Together, they have won 42 Majors, six ATP Finals, and 64 Masters 1000s — among others. While the former retired at the Laver Cup in 2022, the latter has been struggling with injuries and looks close to calling time on his career.

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