"Greatest. Of. All. F**king. Time" - Fans in awe of Novak Djokovic as Serb conquers Olympic gold medal at Paris 2024 to 'complete tennis'
Novak Djokovic made history by winning his first Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a decisive victory over World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, August 4. Tennis fans around the world showered the Serbian legend with praise for his extraordinary achievement.
Djokovic kicked off his campaign in the French capital with a straight-sets victory over Australia's Matthew Ebden. He then smoothly progressed past Spain's Rafael Nadal, Germany's Dominik Koepfer, Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Italy's Lorenzo Musetti before facing his biggest threat of the tournament in the form of another Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz.
It was a rematch of their Wimbledon Championships final from a month ago, which Alcaraz had won. However, Djokovic exacted his revenge successfully, defeating his younger opponent 7-6(3), 7-6(2) to claim the elusive Olympic gold. This victory added to his medal tally, which also includes a bronze from Beijing 16 years ago.
Tennis fans have now taken to X (formerly Twitter) to heap praise on Novak Djokovic following his exploits in Paris. One user commented on how the 24-time Grand Slam champion made a remarkable comeback from a title-less year and injuries to winning the Olympic gold.
"Novak Djokovic - no title this year, questions surrounding his form, demolished in a Wimbledon final just weeks ago - wins the only title of top tier tennis that he's never won. Olympic Gold. Greatest. Of. All. F**king. Time," the user wrote.
"Honestly congrats to Djokovic. That was superb insane level. He gave it all to win the gold. What can I say, he was too good. Alcaraz disappointed when it mattered, but you know what it's fine. You can’t expect him to keep winning every tournament. Others should have stepped up too," another wrote.
One account posted:
"Sorry he’s solidified himself as the GOAT, no one can say anything now."
"Olympic gold, on clay, didn't drop a set (only man to do it), on the toughest draw possible. I love this man," another account wrote.
One user tweeted:
"What Djokovic has pulled off today is one of the biggest sporting accomplishments ever. Against this opponent, after the year he has had, is just extraordinary. Not enough superlatives can describe what he has just done."
Another chipped in:
Novak Djokovic after winning gold in Paris Olympics 2024: "Too proud, too happy"
Novak Djokovic was visibly overwhelmed with emotion after winning his first Olympic gold medal in Paris. He expressed during his victory speech that he felt "too proud and happy" to bring glory to his country.
"I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now. Feeling different emotions. Too proud. Too happy. Thrilled with the possibility to win a gold for the first time in my career for my country," he said.
The former World No. 1 also expressed how "grateful" he was to complete all the records, including the Career Golden Slam.
"I’m super grateful for the blessing to win a historic gold medal for my country. To complete the [Career] Golden Slam. To complete all the records," he said.