Navratilova and Evert pay tribute to Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic‘s incredible effort in Paris has not gone unnoticed. The former world number 1 has achieved his dream of winning the gold medal at the Olympic Games, a goal he has pursued his entire career.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion gave it his all in this edition of the Olympics, knowing that it was probably his last chance. After bitter disappointments in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, the Serbian champion shocked the world by winning a final in which he was clearly at a disadvantage.

Carlos Alcaraz had defeated him a few weeks ago in the final of Wimbledon Championships and could play on his best surface, where he won the French Open a few months ago. The 21-year-old Spaniard was very surprised by Nole’s level, who once again proved to be the best player ever.

Novak celebrated his gold medal victory in the Olympic Village, had fun with his friends in a Parisian club and then took some pictures with the gold medal under the iconic Eiffel Tower. The world number 2 expressed all his happiness at the end of the final, went to hug his family and burst into tears. Novak Djokovic’s amazing victory at the Olympic Games in Paris has made the world go round. The former world number 1 is one of the best athletes ever and has no intention of stopping playing.

Navratilova and Evert about Djokovic

In a post on X, WTA legend Martina Navratilova paid tribute to Djokovic: “What an incredible achievement by Novak Djokovic to win the Olympic Games, at his age and after knee surgery it is truly phenomenal. A well-deserved gold medal.”

Incredible effort by @DjokerNole to win the Olympics now – at his age and also a knee operation – truly phenomenal!!! He fully deserves the gold!🥇

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) August 4, 2024

Djokovic has nothing left to win and has achieved all his goals, but he remains motivated and hungry as ever. The 24-time Grand Slam champion wants to continue playing for many years to come and his opponents will never underestimate him.

WTA legend Chris Evert also praised the former world number 1 on X: ”Novak….. His love for the game and his country is unparalleled. The strength of his mind is incomparable. His GOAT status has been cemented. So happy for him.”

Novak….. His love for the game and his country is unparalleled. The strength of his mind is unmatched. His GOAT status is solidified. So happy for him… @DjokerNole @Olympics

— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) August 4, 2024

Winning the gold medal at the Olympics has always been Djokovic’s biggest dream, as he has worked hard to break the curse. In a lengthy interview with Tennis Majors, Goran Ivanisevic reflected on Djokovic’s triumph: “We talked about it many times, it was one of my biggest wishes for him, Novak really wanted it and that’s why it was so emotional for everyone.

It’s unbelievable, it was written somewhere that it had to happen this way. It’s his first trophy this season, an Olympic gold medal. And besides, this scenario is the best, the sweetest. He had an injury, an operation and a bad final at Wimbledon, but on Sunday we saw what willpower and desire can make you do. When Novak plays like he can, he’s the best in the world, no one can match him.”

Nole is still motivated

Djokovic won everything during his long career, but he never lost the drive and always found the strength to improve. The Serbian is a great inspiration for young players, who can admire him and find inspiration from him in their path of growth. “Is the puzzle complete now? Yes, it is. Yes, it is true that I can be very hard on myself. It is one of my biggest inner struggles. I’m fighting with myself and the feeling that I haven’t done enough in my lifeon the field and off the field. So it’s a great lesson for me. I’m very grateful that I got the chance to win a historic gold medal for my country. To break all the records. Is that enough now? I think so,” Nole said.

He continued: “I know I’ve won all the big tournaments, but I still love this sport, I love competing, training day after day, continuing to improve myself and taking care of my body. Tennis means a lot to me and I’m doing my best to give back everything it has given me to this sport. I don’t know what the future holds, now is the time to celebrate. I want to play in Los AngelesI enjoy playing for my country at the Olympic Games, in the Davis Cup.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has repeatedly said that he is not interested in becoming No. 1 again and that he will not increase the number of tournaments he plays to achieve this goal. A few hours ago, it was announced that Novak will return after five years to play the Shanghai Masters 1000. “Hello! I can’t wait to be back to play in the Rolex Shanghai Masters. You guys are so great China, I love you – thank you!” – Nole said on social media.