Image source: Instagram/@djokernole
Novak Djokovic has already reached the summit of his career this month by clinching the Olympic gold medal that eluded him for so long. At 37, Djokovic stands at the pinnacle of men’s tennis, and a win at the U.S. Open would solidify his position even further.
Last year, Novak Djokovic triumphed in New York, claiming his 24th Grand Slam title and moving two titles ahead of the aging Rafa Nadal, who will not compete in this year’s final major, and four ahead of the retired Roger Federer. The Big Three of tennis—Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer—dominated the sport for two decades, but now Djokovic is the sole survivor of that era.
John McEnroe, former world number one and ESPN analyst, commented, “Novak Djokovic is looking to distance himself from Federer and Nadal. He’s achieved so much already—Olympic gold, multiple Grand Slam wins. For him, more success is just the icing on the cake.”
Novak Djokovic’s victory in Paris was especially notable, coming just two months after knee surgery and against Carlos Alcaraz, who had previously beaten him at Wimbledon. This win, which completed the “Golden Slam,” only added to Djokovic’s legendary status.
Upon returning to Belgrade, Novak Djokovic was greeted like a hero. He described the Olympic title as his “greatest sporting achievement.” The warm welcome in Serbia contrasted with the mixed reception he has received from fans worldwide, who long favored Federer and Nadal.
Chris Evert, another former world number one and ESPN commentator, praised Djokovic, saying, “His gold medal in Paris was a fairy tale. He’s put in so much hard work and faced a lot of criticism. He truly deserves this.”
If Djokovic can secure his 25th Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open, the impact would be monumental. Evert joked, “If he wins, I’d say he has everyone’s permission to retire. He’d have achieved it all.”
As Djokovic gears up for the U.S. Open, the tennis world eagerly anticipates whether he can complete this remarkable chapter of his career with another historic win.
