WATCH: Novak Djokovic displaying his Christian faith by kissing cross necklace at Paris Olympics goes viral as Serb reaches maiden final at event
Novak Djokovic's unwavering Christian faith was on display once again on Friday night after he reached his first-ever Olympic final. At the age of 37, he also became the oldest man in the open era to feature in the final of a Summer Games.
Djokovic went up against an in-form Lorenzo Musetti in front of a packed crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier, in a re-match of their Wimbledon semifinals. He entered the tie overshadowed with uncertainty after displaying knee concerns during his quarterfinal clash against Stefanos Tsitsipas. That didn't deter him, however, as he navigated through numerous tense encounters en route to a 6-4, 6-2 win.
The Serb fittingly celebrated his historic triumph by falling to the ground in relief. He would also go on to kiss his Christian cross necklace during an interview with Serbian television broadcaster PTC shortly afterward.
When quizzed by PTC's reporter about his physical condition and if he was ready to go for the finals, Djokovic maintained that it was all in God's hands.
"That's what needs to happen. I pray to God that everything will be alright," Djokovic was quoted as saying.
Djokovic's devout faith in Christ was also on display after his emphatic second-round win against Rafael Nadal. He was pictured kissing his cross and pointing to the sky following his 6-1, 6-4 win over the Spaniard.
“I have been waiting 20 years” - Novak Djokovic reacts to making first Olympic final
The relief on Novak Djokovic's face after his semifinal victory on Friday night said it all. He had for the first time in his illustrious career managed to win an Olympic Games semifinal. His previous best was a bronze medal finish in the 2008 edition.
Overcome by the emotions of it all during his on-court interview, the Serb conceded that he'd been waiting for this moment for a long time.
“I have been waiting for this for almost 20 years. I’ve played four Olympic games, this is my fifth and I’ve never passed semi-finals. I’ve achieved a lot of great things in this sport, but never finals of an Olympic games, so I’m super thrilled,” Djokovic was quoted as saying during his on-court interview.
He went on to pay tribute to all his fans watching, particularly those from his hometown of Serbia.
"I hope I brought the joy to Serbian fans and people around the world and in also in Serbia." Djokovic continued.
Standing in between Djokovic's path to the Gold medal is a red-hot Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard dismissed him in straight sets roughly a month ago in the finals of the Wimbledon Championships.
Their head-to-head is split evenly at three wins a piece. They've played each other twice on the red dirt and have one win each. Djokovic, however, has won their only encounter on Court Philippe Chatrier, having come out on top in the semifinals of the 2023 French Open.