Djokovic’s season was not going well before the Olympics in Paris
© Srdjan Stevanovic / Stringer Getty Images Sport
Novak Djokovic’s season was not going well before the Olympics in Paris, where the Serbian champion finally won the gold medal by lifting a weight off his shoulders. The Olympic tournament had become a sort of curse for Novak, who had seen his great goal vanish especially at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
The former world number 1 has raised his level as rounds have passed and played a final exception against Carlos Alcaraz, surprising the young Spaniard who was considered the big favourite by bookmakers on the eve of the match.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has once again proved himself to be one of the greatest athletes ever and has reaffirmed his intention to continue playing for years to come. The 37-year-old from Belgrade shocked everyone when he said he would like to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, when he will be 41.
His next big goal will be the US Open, the last Grand Slam of 2024, which starts in just over a week in New York. The Serbian won the title last year, but it will be difficult to repeat the same feat this year. Nole will be one step behind Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who won the three Majors this year (Sinner won the Australian Open, while Alcaraz won the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships).
Nole is practicing for the US Open
Novak Djokovic spent a few relaxing days with his friends and family after the Paris Olympics, deciding to skip the Montreal and Cincinnati Masters 1000. After taking a little vacation, the Serbian champion was spotted in Montenegro where he started training again for the US Open.
Novak Djokovic struggled to find the right motivation in the early part of the season, suffering several surprising defeats and injury to his knee during the French Open. The former world number 1 had to undergo knee surgery before Wimbledon, where he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
Nole Djokovic was not sure he could do the feat at the Olympics: “Doubts always exist, but faith and the belief that I can achieve my goals are always stronger. I was aware that this was my last chance to win an Olympic gold, so I had to focus fully on my goal. Nothing will ever surpass seeing myself on the podium listening to the Serbian anthem with the flag raised.” The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not been demoralised despite the difficulties of the last period and has provided yet another lesson to young players.
Djokovic is still competitive
Top coach Patrick Mouratoglou discussed Nole’s future: “I think that Novak can still play three or four years at the highest level. The real question is about his motivation. I think he really struggled with motivation until the Olympics. Everybody felt like it was the end for Rafa Nadal. Novak felt it too, for sure it hit his motivation really hard, but after that Rafa came back on clay, his level and I think this gave extra motivation to Novak. Sinner started to play great, Alcaraz again [played great]. I think it touched his ego and he came back really strong and finally won the title that he was chasing all of his career, which was the gold medal at the Olympics to complete his collection of trophies.
Nole’s in great shape, he plays unbelievable tennis. He is ready to compete I think [for another] two, three, four years at the highest level. But he needed this competition between him and Roger and Rafa to be the greatest. The only confrontation now is probably Carlos and Jannik pushing him, beating him, him feeling his ego touched and wanting to show that he is still great.”
Novak is in the running to finish the season at the top of the ATP rankings, but he has admitted on several occasions that he is no longer interested in this goal. After the US Open, Djokovic will play an exhibition match with Grigor Dimitrov before flying to Shanghai.
