Novak Djokovic has crowned himself Olympic champion. © APA/afp / CARL DE SOUZA

Djokovic’s future plans? “Celebrate first”

Tennis star Novak Djokovic has left his future open after his Olympic victory in Paris.

August 05, 2024

From: dpa

“Some of my family members have made some suggestions as to whether that was it. I don’t know,” said the Serbian record Grand Slam tournament winner in the ARD: “Now I just want to celebrate and enjoy the moment.”

With the 7:6, 7:6 in the final against the Spanish French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz Djokovic won the gold medal for the first time. The former long-time world number one thus secured the last missing piece of the puzzle in his exceptional career.

Novak Djokovic after his triumph in Paris. © ANSA / CAROLINE BLUMBERG

"To be honest, I don't know what the future holds," said the 37-year-old in the press conference. But he did not rule out another Olympic appearance in 2028 when he will be 41 years old. "I want to play in Los Angeles, I enjoy playing for my country," he said.

Olympic gold has enormous significance

The gold medal means a lot to him. "This is definitely the greatest sporting success I've had," said the Serbian world number two in Paris, putting the victory above his 24 Grand Slam titles at the time.

“The pressure was gigantic” Novak Djokovic

In 2021, the Serb was defeated in the semifinals in Tokyo by eventual Olympic champion Alexander Zverev and finished fourth without a medal. In 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Djokovic lost in the first round, and in 2012 he also finished fourth in London. His only previous medal came from his Olympic debut in 2008, when he won bronze in Beijing.

"The pressure was gigantic," said Djokovic. "It's difficult to describe what goes on in your head. It was a huge relief when the match was over and the victory was certain. It was the hurdle that I had not been able to overcome in my career so far."