Paris - Novak Djokovic has truly embodied his belief that “everything is possible in life,” with his recent triumph at the Paris Olympics proving just that. Despite boasting 24 Grand Slam titles, the Serbian tennis legend had never won an Olympic gold medal until now. His victory at 37, becoming the oldest male tennis player to win Olympic gold, has created a buzz, but Djokovic has remained grounded in his faith, attributing his success to his devout Christianity.
Djokovic’s remarkable achievement came as he overcame Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping men’s final at the Paris Olympics. The match, which Djokovic won 7-6(3), 7-6(2), was a testament to his enduring prowess and faith. After the match, Djokovic knelt on the clay court, weeping with joy, and made a cross on his chest to thank the Almighty for this long-sought victory. Despite his numerous Grand Slam wins, this gold medal had eluded him until now, making it a particularly significant achievement.
The touching moment was captured and shared on Twitter by fan Oli London, who highlighted Djokovic’s deep faith: “Novak Djokovic, a devout Orthodox Christian, gets down on his hands and knees to thank God after his victory at the Paris Olympics. ✝️🥇 The Serbian tennis champion has won his first Olympic gold medal, after competing in 5 separate Olympic Games.” This act of gratitude follows Djokovic’s history of expressing his Christian faith, including kissing his cross necklace and praying publicly during the tournament.
In April, Djokovic expressed his determination to perform well at the Paris Olympics, recognizing that his opportunities to compete in the Games were dwindling. Speaking at the Laureus Awards in Madrid, he said, “I hope I can play my best tennis. At the end of the day, who knows if I will get another chance to play at the Olympic Games, they only come every four years, I will try to use this chance as best as possible.”
Though this is Djokovic’s first gold medal, he had previously won a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The gold medal now adds a crowning achievement to his illustrious career. Reflecting on his victory, Djokovic called it “arguably the biggest success I’ve ever had,” noting the gold medal’s significance alongside his other achievements.
Djokovic’s emotional response on winning was profound. He described feeling “overwhelmed” and “too proud, too happy” after achieving this long-awaited dream. The victory not only marked a historic moment in tennis but also fulfilled Djokovic’s personal and national aspirations.
The final against Alcaraz was a showcase of Djokovic’s resilience and skill. Despite a challenging start, Djokovic saved all eight break points he faced and capitalized on Alcaraz’s mistakes in the tie-breaks. The match, played with high tension and exceptional quality, highlighted Djokovic’s relentless determination and his capacity to perform under pressure.
Djokovic’s journey to this gold medal was not without its hurdles. He faced setbacks earlier in the season, including a knee injury and early exits from major tournaments. Yet, these challenges only made his Olympic victory sweeter. Djokovic has not ruled out future competitions, hinting at the possibility of participating in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
The Paris Olympics gold medal solidifies Djokovic’s status as a tennis legend, completing a career Golden Slam—winning all four Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold. This achievement, celebrated with Serbian flags and heartfelt gestures, underscores not only his athletic excellence but also his deep faith and commitment to his sport.