Djokovic didn’t drop a set the entire tournament at the Paris Olympics this year, but his toughest contest came in the gold medal match, where he defeated Alcaraz—who had just beaten him in the Wimbledon final—in two tie-breaks, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2).
“Just kind of sharing my thoughts, my emotions and experiences of reflection on what is for me, I think now when I look back, the greatest achievement and greatest highlight of my career overall, winning the gold medal for Serbia,” he said of his golden triumph at his pre-tournament press conference at the US Open.
“Had some heartbreaking losses at the Olympic Games, worked very hard to try to get myself in a position to fight for gold. At 37 I thought, ‘You know, I don’t know, could this be the last chance? Maybe.’ So I had to push more than ever, than I have ever done.
“Turned out to be one of the best performances I had in years overall, throughout the entire tournament. In the finals against Carlos, it was kind of a dream scenario, really, having my wife and children there, the entire nation watching. Just a very proud moment of experiencing the golden medal around my neck with Serbian anthem and Serbian flag. Very, very special. Probably the most intense emotions I have ever had on a tennis court.
“I was saying that carrying the flag, being a flag bearer for my country, opening ceremony in 2012 in London at the Olympic Games, was the best feeling I had overall in my professional career, surpassed every Slam I won—until I won the gold medal.
“The moment I achieved it, how I achieved it, after years of trying, the journey, the way it was, it makes it even more unique.”
