Novak Djokovic is at odds with Andy Roddick over the standing of the Olympic tennis tournament after finally winning gold. Djokovic, the winner of 24 Grand Slams, declared beating Carlos Alcaraz at Paris 2024 his biggest sporting achievement.
The Serbian first played in the Games back in 2008 but he arrived in France with only one bronze medal to show for his efforts and a deep desire to stand on the top step of the podium. He lost in straight sets to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final only three weeks earlier and had not won a title all season.
However, the 37-year-old produced a superb performance to win a pulsating final 7-6 (3) 7-6 (2). Despite his legendary career and two dozen Grand Slam titles, it was a landmark moment for Djokovic.
Everything that I felt in that moment when I won really surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would,” he said. “I thought that carrying the flag at the opening ceremony [in London] was the best feeling ever until I experienced this.
And being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport. It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I had.”
However, former US Open champion and ex-Wimbledon finalist Roddick reckons Olympic glory doesn’t come close to Grand Slam success, declaring: “It’s not even worth a conversation.”
“I think it’s each individual [choice],” he added on his Served YouTube show. “I think if you ask people, is this [as] important as a Slam, and I certainly felt this pressure in 2004 [when asked], do you value this? Years later, I’m like no.
I would have definitely taken a Wimbledon title instead of that, 100%. No chance, like it’s not even worth a conversation.
“If you put me in this seat right now and you give me, ‘hey, you could have an Olympic gold medal or you could have a Wimbledon title?’ It’s not even up for discussion to me. The point is it’s different for everyone.
Djokovic’s powers had appeared to be waning this season, with Alcaraz and fellow young gun Jannik Sinner taking charge of the men’s game, but he has not ruled out playing into his 40s and having another shot at the Olympics in 2028.
“I still want to play in Los Angeles,” he said. “I enjoy playing for my country and the Olympic Games particularly and Davis Cup, being part of the team.
