"I was amazed" - Daniil Medvedev reveals Novak Djokovic defied his expectations by beating 'unstoppable' Carlos Alcaraz to win Olympic gold
Daniil Medvedev has opened up about how Novak Djokovic defied his expectations by beating Carlos Alcaraz to clinch the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Medvedev shared that his immense admiration for the Serb increased further after his heroics at the prestigious sporting event.
Following his triumphs at the French Open and Wimbledon, Alcaraz appeared poised to cap off his commanding run with the Olympic single gold at Roland Garros. However, Djokovic thwarted the Spaniard's hopes with a 7-6(3), 7-6(2) win, fulfilling his long-held ambition of completing the career Golden Slam.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is still basking in the glory of his gold medal win, arriving on court at the US Open with a special golden kit before beating Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in his opening match. Medvedev joined the Serb in the second round of the New York Major with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 win over Dusan Lajovic.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Daniil Medvedev lauded Novak Djokovic's incredible achievement, highlighting the extraordinary standards set by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and the Serb.
"Amazing. I mean, you know, Novak, Rafa, Roger, we all know they're amazing. Their Grand Slam records, et cetera. Whenever Novak wins a Grand Slam, you are always -- in his age -- well, the last one was here in US Open -- you are always amazed by what he is doing, what he is continuing to achieve. You are, like, we're used to it," Medvedev said.
Nevertheless, the World No. 5 confessed that he had expected Alcaraz to emerge victorious in the gold medal match due to his impressive run of form.
"Then Olympics for me personally, unfortunately, I didn't see the match. I was in Montreal, time difference. I think I had a practice or something. But me personally, I thought the way Carlos is going into the match, won Roland Garros, won Wimbledon against Novak, played amazing in Olympics, and I honestly thought he's going to win," he added.
Medvedev emphasized that his awe of Djokovic only increased after witnessing the 37-year-old overcome the immense pressure of realizing his long-held dream and raise his level to defeat the "unstoppable" Spaniard.
"Then Novak, 37 years old. I saw some highlights. Playing maybe the best match of the season. I was amazed by how he's able to come into this match where there is a lot of pressure -- that's the only thing he never won -- and still be even better than himself usually," he said.
"And beat Carlos, who was unstoppable this year, I was amazed even more, even if I'm already amazed by Novak. So, yeah, unbelievable, and not much more I can add," he added.
"Novak Djokovic goes for it until the end, not sure I would be able to do the same" - Daniil Medvedev on his 'big admiration' for Serb
During the same press conference, Daniil Medvedev also expressed his immense admiration for Novak Djokovic's enduring respect for the sport and his relentless motivation to continue competing, admitting that he doubted he would show the same level of determination.
"Same. Respect. He respects the hustle. He respects the game, respects the work. He goes for it, goes for it until the end. Everyone has different routines, and he has his that works. Yeah, for sure to see this, it's big admiration I would say. Not sure I would be able to do the same, but it's a big admiration, yeah," he said.
Placed in opposite halves of the draw, Djokovic and Medvedev can only meet in the final of the 2024 US Open. If they both do reach the title clash, they will set up a blockbuster rematch of last year's final, where the Serb claimed a straight-sets win to clinch his 24th Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic will face compatriot Laslo Djere in the second round of the New York Major, while Daniil Medvedev will battle it out against Fabian Marozsan for a place in the third round.