"Novak Djokovic's GOAT status is cemented" - Chris Evert commends Serb's love for tennis, says he's the greatest following Paris Olympic gold
Novak Djokovic was proclaimed as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) by American tennis legend Chris Evert after he won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Serb completed the Career Golden Slam (winning all four Majors and the Olympic gold medal) in his fifth Olympic campaign.
Djokovic faced Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, August 4. The Spaniard was the youngest tennis singles finalist in the Open Era in Olympic history, while Djokovic was the oldest. Two players on the extremes of the age spectrum faced off for the ultimate prize.
The tightly-contested final went the Serb's way as he navigated two tiebreakers brilliantly. Neither player could break the other, which led to tiebreakers. Djokovic won the match 7-6(3), 7-6(2).
The 37-year-old had reached the semifinals thrice in four Olympic campaigns, and lost them all. His best result at the Games was a bronze medal, which he won in 2008. In his fifth Olympics, Djokovic won the elusive gold and become only the fifth player to complete the Career Golden Slam.
18-time Grand Slam winner Chris Evert believes the gold medal has cemented Djokovic's GOAT status. She took to X to write:
"Novak..... His love for the game and his country is unprecedented. The strength of his mind is incomparable. His GOAT status is cemented. So happy for him..."
"Arguably the biggest success I had" - Novak Djokovic on importance of winning Olympic gold
Novak Djokovic won Serbia's eighth Olympic gold medal and their second of the Paris Games. During his post-match interview, Nole said he was 'overwhelmed' after the result, feeling extremely proud and happy.
“I don’t know. 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. Arguably the biggest success I had. I won probably everything there is to win in my individual career," Novak Djokovic said.
The Serb added that this was the missing piece in his puzzle and he was 'super grateful' to earn the gold medal for his country while also completing the Career Golden Slam. He has now won every big trophy in tennis.
The only other players to win all four Majors and the Olympic gold are Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams.